Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku could move closer to a return to Inter Milan if he does not hold positive talks with Chelsea in the coming days, according to journalist Dean Jones.

Lukaku left Inter less than a year ago to move to Stamford Bridge, but his first season back in the Premier League has not gone to plan.

What's the latest news involving Lukaku?

The 29-year-old only scored eight league goals for Chelsea last season, and he did not make himself popular with the fans when he gave an interview to Sky Italia in December, where he appeared to question Thomas Tuchel's tactics and stated that he wanted to return to Inter at some point.

He may well get his wish, and perhaps sooner than expected.

Sky Sports has reported that Lukaku wants to rejoin the Serie A side, but they cannot afford to sign him on a permanent deal.

However, bringing Lukaku back to San Siro on a loan deal remains a possibility.

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What has Jones said about Lukaku?

Jones has claimed that Lukaku is set to speak to Chelsea in the near future, and if he doesn't receive assurances about his role in the team moving forward, he could then look to push for a transfer back to Inter.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Jones said: “If Lukaku doesn’t hear what he wants to hear later this week, then I think this Inter transfer will start to move forward.”

Should Chelsea send Lukaku out on loan?

It is hard to see a way back for Lukaku at Chelsea right now.

That interview in December marked the beginning of the end, and ever since then he has struggled to perform well for the team, with Kai Havertz often getting the nod over him in recent months. When Lukaku did get given opportunities, his body language was often questionable.

In an ideal world, Chelsea would probably love to sell Lukaku, and get a big transfer fee for the £76.5m-rated striker.

However, given their current financial predicament, it seems that Inter cannot afford to sign the 102-cap international permanently, and a loan move is the only option for them.

Taking everything into consideration, it would probably be best for Chelsea to let him leave on loan as they cannot risk keeping him and more stories coming out in the press next season, which could affect the harmony within the squad at Stamford Bridge.

GiveMeSport Transfer Update With Dean Jones