The Yellow Submarines are reportedly closing in on signing Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku in January on a short term loan deal.

The Mirror reports that Villarreal boss Juan Carlos Garrido has said Lukaku is high on his wish list.

Garrido and club president Fernando Roig believe they may be able to tempt the London club by offering Lukaku regular games and valuable playing experience.

Lukaku, joined Chelsea from Anderlecht in an £18m deal but is struggling for regular games after English starlet Daniel Sturridge has been preferred.