Chelsea punish United

for hijacking their

Chelsea will punish Manchester United for hijacking their

move for Romelu Lukaku by placing a tax on the Red Devils’

move for Nemanja Matic.

The Blues fully expected to sign Lukaku from Everton this

summer but saw their move hijacked by United at the

last minute.

Despite claims that Alvaro Morata was his priority, Conte

was desperate to sign Lukaku and was furious at the club's

board for allowing a direct rival to swoop in. Matic, 28,

is keen on joining Manchester United and Chelsea

owner Roman Abramovich has sanctioned the midfielder’s

move to Old Trafford as a gesture of goodwill.

However, the Blues are wary of improving a title challenger

and will place a ‘Lukaku’ tax on United’s deal for Matic as

punishment for hijacking their move for the Belgian.

United have had two bids of £35m and £40m rejected for

Matic and will likely have to reach a figure of £50m

to sign the Serbian.

Mourinho alluded to club’s resistance in the transfer

market this week by saying the club will not bow

to rivals’ demands for players but time is running

out to sign a midfielder.

The Red Devils have a strong interest in Spurs

ace Eric Dier but negotiations with Tottenham are likely

to be difficult and United could be forced into

paying a premium instead for Matic.