Manchester United have announced the signing of striker Romelu Lukaku from Everton for a reported £75m fee, a British record for a striker.
A club statement read:
"Manchester United is delighted to announce the signing of Romelu Lukaku from Everton on a five-year contract, with an option to extend for a further year. The 24-year-old Belgian international striker will join the team in LA ahead of pre-season training. Jose Mourinho said: "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." Romelu 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."
Lukaku, 24, began his career with Anderlecht, and scored 41 goals in 98 appearances. He then joined Chelsea in August 2011, but played only 15 times without scoring a goal. During his time with Chelsea, he joined West Bromwich Albion on loan in 2012-13, and scored 17 goals in 38 games. In 2013-14 he moved on loan to Everton, and scored 16 goals in 33 matches, before moving permanently in July 2014. He has played a total of 133 matches since, and scored 71 goals.
Lukaku is a full Belgian international, having been capped 57 times by his country, scoring 20 goals.