Manchester United Transfer News: Romelu Lukaku Blow, Latest Rumours

Manchester United's hopes of signing Everton striker Romelu Lukaku have been dented as it will reportedly take a bid "well in excess of £50 million" to prise him away from Goodison Park.

That's according to the Mirror's David Maddock, who noted United "head the list of Premier League clubs to have been in touch" with the club over their star forward, with his former side Chelsea also interested, as well as European giants Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich. 

The Belgian has been in sublime form this season, as Squawka Football demonstrated:

As WhoScored.com further revealed, the majority of his 18 Premier League goals have come from open play, rather than the penalty spot:

He has also provided six assists, though Bleacher Report's own Sam Tighe is concerned his passing could be a weakness in his game:

The striker is otherwise an excellent centre-forward—a potent combination of pace, power and skill, attributes he demonstrated in his magnificent effort against Chelsea in the FA Cup quarter-final in March as he outmuscled and turned past three defenders before firing home.

Tony Scott of the Liverpool Echo believes he is likely to pursue a move away after Everton's underachievement this season:

Lukaku himself has poured fuel on the fire, telling Sky Sports News HQ of his desire to play in the UEFA Champions League:

Though the Red Devils may not qualify for the competition this season, Lukaku has hinted he could be willing to move to Old Trafford if Jose Mourinho were to take over, per ESPN's Alex Shaw:

United could certainly use his services after struggling for goals this season, but they'll have to be prepared to part with plenty of money to land the 22-year-old and—if they don't make the top four—hope they can still tempt him to join without Champions League football.

The Red Devils are also reportedly set to engage in a three-way fight for Bournemouth winger Matt Ritchie, according to the Sun's Alex Crooke.

Tim Ireland/Associated Press

Ritchie has been quietly impressive this season and looks to have helped keep the Cherries in the Premier League with three goals and six assists.

According to Squawka, the 26-year-old has created 35 chances in 30 Premier League appearances and also showed his willingness to track back by winning 35 tackles and making 42 interceptions.

He has a penchant for the spectacular—after netting a goal-of-the-season contender in September against Sunderland with an incredible volley, he bagged this strike against Poland while on international duty for Scotland:

United could use further width as they have few natural wingers in their squad and have often resorted to deploying Anthony Martial on the flanks rather than in the centre.

Ritchie would be expected to contribute more at Old Trafford were he to sign for them, but if he could be acquired relatively cheaply, he could be a real bargain.