Manutd Hijack Striker from Chelsea by Agreeing 75m Deal.. (more details)

Romelu Lukaku was due to have his medical in Los Angeles night ahead of sealing a £75m move to Manchester United, with the striker expected to join up with José Mourinho’s squad when they arrive in the city on Sunday ahead of the club’s five-game pre-season tour of America.

Lukaku has been holidaying in California with United’s Paul Pogba, who is a good friend and who has the same agent, Mino Raiola. The 24-year-old was due to fly back to England on Friday for pre-season training with Everton.

However, as Mourinho is intent that Lukaku should be confirmed as United’s second summer signing as soon as possible, the manager has decided this is the best way to push the transfer through. The move means that barring a last minute hitch United will have landed Lukaku ahead of Chelseadespite the west London club believing they were in pole position to prise him from Everton.

Chelsea maintained the stance even after news broke on Thursday that United were sure they were closing in on the player.

If Lukaku does complete the transfer he will follow Victor Lindelof, the central defender who moved from Benfica to United for £30m last month. Mourinho is still intent on adding a central midfielder and, possibly, a wide forward. Wayne Rooney is expected to leave United for Everton, with his presence on the flight to the West Coast on Sunday in the balance.

Scoring goals was United’s biggest problem last season as they ended the league campaign with 54, comfortably the lowest of the top seven sides. The top three all scored more than 80 goals and United’s ability to see off teams led to damaging home draws against Swansea City, West Bromwich Albion, Bournemouth, Hull City, West Ham, Burnley and Stoke City.