Conte refuses to comment on Drogba’s Lukaku hint

Antonio Conte has refused to be drawn on whether Chelsea are likely to re-sign Romelu Lukaku after Didier Drogba hinted that the former Blues striker could be on his way back to Stamford Bridge.

Lukaku, who left west London to join Everton in 2014, has rejected a new contract with the Merseyside club and has been tipped to rejoin former side.

Chelsea legend Drogba has mentored the Belgian since they were both at the Bridge and he suggested to Sky this week that the Belgian could return for a second spell.

But Blues boss Conte said: “I think it is not the right time to talk about this.

“I have great respect for Didier. He is a legend for Chelsea but I can’t talk about this because it is not right to talk about players of another team.

“You must have respect for other players and you’re own.”

And Conte again dismissed speculation in his native Italy linking him with Inter Milan.

“It’s not news, just voices,” he said.