Mauricio Pochettino has already given a strong verdict on Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku as a previously unlikely link-up between the pair is on the cards. With the Argentine head coach close to being appointed as the new boss at Stamford Bridge and Lukaku's future far from certain, there is a discussion to be had over what happens next.
The Belgian forward is on-loan at Inter Milan having rejoined the Italian side 12 months after being sold for £97.5million but has struggled for fitness until the latter stage of the season. He has started to score goals in recent weeks but his open play contributions have remained minimal.
With his relationships in west London being seemingly torched by the infamous Sky Italia interview in the winter of 2021 it would be a monumental U-turn to see him back in Chelsea blue. The chances of that happening have been increased in recent weeks though with the true nature of Inter's financial struggles becoming clear.
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The Serie A side have paid Chelsea around £8million for the services of Lukaku on a one-year deal with the initial expectation that a second season would be negotiated but that appears less likely as the season goes on.
"Future? I have to be careful [on what is said]," he revealed last weekend. "Pay attention... I want to focus on Inter and give my best for this club game after game. I'm always doing my best for Inter and I like the fans, the relationship is great."
However, the Telegraph have written that Lukaku will speak to the club before making a final decision and it's one that appears increasingly likely to involved Pochettino. The former Spurs boss will be in need of a new striker at SW6 with it being a continued problem area this season.
Armando Broja is perhaps the most obvious figure but at 21, and recovering from a long-term injury, it would take a remarkable early improvement to see him elevated to the required levels next year. Even though Pochettino has previous in enhancing his forwards - think Harry Kane - it would be a big gamble.
Pochettino has also made his stance on Kane and Lukaku clear in previous times. Speaking in 2017 he was asked about the two Premier League marksmen and said: "We need to be very respectful to both of them. I know everyone wants to discuss who is better, but they are both great players with quality and skill.
"For me, they would both be in a list of the 10 best strikers in Europe, but to compare them is almost impossible. If you ask Ronald Koeman he would say Lukaku is the best but, if you ask me, of course Harry is the best.
"They are both very difficult to mark for different reasons, but they both demand a lot of focus on them and you have to be ready to fight."
At the time it was plausible that Lukaku could go on to rival Kane's goalscoring exploits but a drop in performances at Manchester United and the sale to Inter, as well as the dreadful season back at Stamford Bridge, has made that less than a pipedream.
He may well be united with Pochettino over the summer though and it could be a case of both parties needing each other more than they could imagine.
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