Chelsea could lose out on £37 million after their former boss Jose Mourinho was sacked by Roma, it has been reported.
Mourinho's two-and-a-half year stint at the Stadio Olimpico ended on Tuesday, with Roma confirming in a club statement that they had parted company with the legendary Portuguese boss.
They swiftly acted to appoint Daniele De Rossi as his replacement, with the Italian, who made over 600 appearances for the club as a player, signing a deal until the end of the season.
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He will take over a Roma side that is eighth in Serie A and preparing to contest the Europa League play-off round, having reached the final of the same competition last season.
It is now the end of the road for Mourinho in Italy - and that may perhaps have a domino effect on one of his former clubs.
Romelu Lukaku is currently on loan at the Italian side from Chelsea, with the Belgian deemed surplus to requirements under new boss Mauricio Pochettino after spending last season on loan at Inter Milan.
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But while the two clubs agreed to a straight loan deal, and The Sun report that the two teams privately agreed a £37 million future fee clause as part of Lukaku's contract.
The same outlet claims that the deal is now in 'jeopardy' following the appointment of De Rossi, who may decide to take his strikeforce in a new direction.
The 30-year-old has scored 14 goals in all competitions for Roma this term, and continued his incredible form with the Belgium national team, but it remains to be seen whether De Rossi - if he is in charge beyond this season - wants to sign Lukaku permanently.
If he doesn't, the striker could yet make what would be a surprise return to Chelsea, or choose to move elsewhere come the summer transfer window.
Featured Image Credit: GettyTopics: Jose Mourinho, Chelsea, AS Roma, Premier League