Chelsea head coach Mauricio Pochettino has reportedly not spoken to Romelu Lukaku this summer.
Earlier in the summer, Pochettino suggested at a press conference that he would speak with the forward upon his return to the club's training ground.
At one stage, it appeared that such an occurrence would not be required with the Belgium international attracting interest from Italy and Saudi Arabia.
However, Inter Milan have withdrawn from the race, Juventus cannot currently afford the 30-year-old and talks have not progressed with any teams in the Middle East.
As a result, all parties have been left in limbo, even though it is accepted that Lukaku has no future at Stamford Bridge.
© Reuters
Chelsea are also in the market for a new central forward at the same time, something that was acknowledged by Pochettino last week at the same time as he insisted that he is also counting on injured frontman Armando Broja.
The Argentine has continued to be asked questions regarding the possibility of Lukaku being reintegrated into the senior setup if a move does not materialise.
Nevertheless, according to The Telegraph, Pochettino and Lukaku have not even held a conversation to discuss the matter.
Furthermore, Lukaku has continued to train with the Under-21s and will do so until a resolution is found with any interested clubs over the next 10 days.
© Reuters
Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital are currently refusing to entertain another loan exit for Lukaku as they bid to recoup funds and reduce their wage bill at the same time.
That said, there has been minimal interest from any club in paying between £30m and £35m for a player who cost £97.5m just two years ago.
Tottenham Hotspur are allegedly monitoring the situation, yet it has been claimed that they do not regard Lukaku as a priority target.
If no competition emerges for Lukaku's signature, any admirers may play the waiting game, aware that holding out until the final days of the transfer window could force Chelsea into parting ways with their former club-record addition for a lower fee.
Darren Plant
