Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku is set to be thrown a lifeline by incoming manager Mauricio Pochettino.

As reported yesterday, the 51-year-old Argentine is close to agreeing on a deal to take over the Blues as head coach from the start of next season. And it is now thought, according to the Daily Telegraph’s Matt Law, that Lukaku will play a part in Pochettino’s plans as the club looks to improve on what has turned out to be a dismal first season under Todd Boehly’s ownership.

Chelsea transfer news: Romelu Lukaku could return to Stamford Bridge

Lukaku has spent this season back on loan at Inter Milan after falling out with ex-manager Thomas Tuchel following his $120m signing from Inter in the summer of 2021. The Belgium center-forwards form has improved recently, however, it has not been enough to convince the hierarchy at the San Siro to sign the 29-year-old on a permanent basis.

It is believed Lukaku, who has scored 121 goals for four different clubs in the Premier League in his career so far, would prefer to stay at Inter but with wages proving a problem and a new manager arriving at Stamford Bridge, the striker would be starting next season on a clean slate and all would be forgotten if he starts to score for a currently goal-shy Chelsea side.