"?The agent of Everton's Romelu Lukaku has suggested that AC Milan do not have the financial power to purchase the striker this summer, unless their proposed takeover by Chinese investors goes ahead, "?Sportwereld reports.
The 23-year-old has impressed since his move to Everton from Chelsea in 2014, becoming one of the Premier League's most potent attacking forces. His stock has also risen whilst playing in a Belgian shirt, which has most recently been enhanced by a brace against the Republic of Ireland in Group E of this summer's Euros.
As a result, the Belgium international has now attracted some of the biggest clubs in Europe, with AC Milan one of the sides interested. However, Lukaku's agent Mino Raiola has suggested that despite the player being good enough, no Italian side can afford him without a significant takeover: "He's too expensive for Serie A."
"That is unless this new group of Chinese investors complete the purchase of Milan."
"Romelu certainly has the quality to play in Serie A."
The deal between AC Milan and a group of Chinese investors had been planned for the beginning of summer, in order to inject funds for big money signings before the start of next season, however the deal has been postponed as of late as Milan president Silvio Berlusconi recovers from heart surgery.
When asked which clubs can afford Lukaku right now, Raiolo suggested that it is only a handful, but said his players should be focusing on the international tournament right now: "Only the world's best can afford him: the top clubs in England, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich."
"But right now, Romelu, Paul [Pogba] and Zlatan [Ibrahimovic] should just be concentrating on the European Championship."