Manchester United have announced the signing
of Romelu Lukaku from Everton.
Lukaku has signed a five-year contract, with
the option of a further 12 months, after completing a medical in Los Angeles
over the weekend.
Football First sources say the fee could
eventually rise to £90m, and United held off late competition from Chelsea for
the Belgium striker's signature.
Lukaku has joined up with his new team-mates
in Los Angeles ahead of their pre-season schedule in the United States,
although he will not feature in their opening game against LA Galaxy this
weekend.
Mourinho, who managed the 24-year-old at
Chelsea, told the United website: "Romelu is a natural fit for Manchester
United. He is a big personality and a big player. It is only natural that he
wants to develop his career at the biggest club.
"He will be a great addition to the group
and I know they will make him very welcome. I am really looking forward to
working with him again."
Lukaku said: "I would like to start by
thanking Everton and the fans for the last four wonderful seasons, I have made
some special friends and we have shared some amazing moments.
"However, when Manchester United and Jose
Mourinho come knocking at the door it is an opportunity of a lifetime and one
that I could not turn down.
"You could see the fight, determination
and the spirit in this team during the Europa League final and I want to become
a part of that.
"I cannot wait to run out at Old Trafford
in front of 75,000 fans but before that pre-season is where the hard work
starts and I am looking forward to that first training session."
Confirmation of Lukaku's transfer came hours
after Wayne Rooney faced the press for the first time since moving in the other
direction.
Ronald Koeman sat alongside Rooney at the
press conference and said Lukaku had made "the right decision",
adding: "Let's hope everything goes well for him because I like him. I
like the player."
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