Chelsea: The Bizarre Reason Romelu Lukaku's Move To Stamford Bridge Isn't Complete

Romelu Lukaku's return to Chelsea has been delayed this summer because of the club's marketing plans, according to reports.

Lukaku, the Belgian striker who finished last season as the Premier League's second highest scorer, is expected to resign for Chelsea from Everton.

The 23-year-old told his agent Mino Raiola that he wanted to return to Chelsea earlier in June, according to The Times, but the move has been delayed.

Chelsea wants to stall on confirming the deal, believed to be worth around £70 million, until it releases the 2017-18 shirt produced by new sponsor Nike, according to the Daily Express.

Lukaku joined Chelsea in 2011 at the age of 18 but was sent on loan to West Bromwich Albion and Everton, before making a permanent move to Goodison Park in 2013. He is seen by Chelsea boss Antonio Conte as a replacement for Diego Costa at the head of the team's attack for next season.

Chelsea, meanwhile, looks close to wrapping up two other major transfers this summer. Tiemoue Bakayoko, the 22-year-old midfielder, is expected to sign from Monaco, which will the clear the way for Nemanja Matic to leave Stamford Bridge for Old Trafford.

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Manchester United, The Guardian say, has agreed a £40 million deal for Matic to reunite with Jose Mourinho, but Chelsea is awaiting confirmation of Bakayoko's arrival before allowing the Serbian to leave.

Conte is also looking to add depth to his squad by adding wing backs. Chelsea is close to agreeing a deal with Italian giant Juventus to sign left-back Alex Sandro in a deal worth £60 million, according to Goal, which would make the 26-year-old Brazilian the most expensive defender in the world.