Jose Mourinho and Real Madrid rival Chelsea for 'new Didier Drogba'

Chelsea are facing intense competing interest from their former manager, Jose Mourinho, over a Belgian teenager who has been described as "the next Didier Drogba".

Romelu Lukaku attracted offers from Real Madrid and at least one Premier League club during the summer, with Anderlecht admitting that they even turned down one bid of £17.5 million for a player regarded as the best young attacking prospect in Europe. Anderlecht did not disclose the identity of the club who made that offer but, in Belgium, it is rumoured to be Tottenham.

Lukaku, however, has made it clear that he wishes to remain with Anderlecht until the end of this season, when he will have finished his schooling and turned 18.

Most of the leading clubs across Europe are now closely monitoring the situation and, according to sources in Belgium, it is Mourinho's Real Madrid and Chelsea who are currently best positioned.

Indeed, according to one source, Lukaku has indicated that either Madrid or Chelsea would be his preferred destination.

Mourinho has certainly made no secret of his admiration for Lukaku and, during a recent interview in Belgium, he made a point of praising his father, Roger Lukaku. 'It is true we wanted Romelu, but he has a very clever dad," said Mourinho. "He wants Romelu to stay at Anderlecht for one more year. I wish all dads were like this."

Chelsea's interest is more discreet and, although there was no formal bid during the summer, he is a player who has been monitored by the club.

It is understood that an inquiry was made into his potential price, although Chelsea would be reluctant to follow through their interest if the situation simply developed into an auction with Real Madrid, and possibly even Manchester City. Arsenal, whose financial situation is now particularly strong, are also expected to consider a bid next summer.

One factor that would be in Chelsea's favour is the presence of Drogba, who is idolised by Lukaku.

The 17 year-old was even photographed at Stamford Bridge in a Chelsea shirt earlier this year when he went on a stadium tour as part of a school trip. During the visit, Lukaku said: "I'm very pleased to be here – unfortunately, I didn't meet Drogba. If ever one day I will cry, it will be when I sign for Chelsea."

Drogba has since been in direct contact. "Yes, I called him," Drogba told Voetbal magazine. "I received his phone number from Vincent Kompany. 'You should sign for Chelsea,' I told him."

At 6ft 3in and with a similarly muscular build, the comparisons with Drogba are easy to understand. Lukaku also specialises as a lone central striker and, ever since making his senior debut for Anderlecht last year, he has continually broken records.

Lukaku's current contract expires in 2012, meaning Anderlecht must realistically sell next summer in order to maximise his considerable value.

With both Drogba and Anelka now over the age of 30, Chelsea are well aware of the eventual need to
rebuild their attack.

However, with Chelsea determined eventually to break even and respect the new Uefa rules on 'financial fair-play', they would be wary of having to spend more than £20 million on a player who is ultimately unproven at the very highest level.

Owner Roman Abramovich remains willing to pay significant transfer fees for the right player – as he showed when spending £17 million on Ramires during the summer – but he is not interested in simply winning a bidding war unless he is convinced that the deal offers value for money.

As well as Lukaku, Chelsea have been monitoring several other strikers, including Brazil forward Neymar and Liverpool's Fernando Torres.

Who is the wonderkid?

»Scored 15 league goals in only 25 starts for Anderlecht last season to become, aged 16, the youngest ever ‘Golden Boot’ in the Belgian top flight.

»Became a regular in the Belgium senior team at the age of just 16.

»His record in youth football was also exceptional, scoring 121 goals in just 88 matches for Anderlecht.

»His father, Roger, was an international for Zaire while his brother, Jordan, plays for the Anderlecht academy.