By Wayne Veysey

18th Aug, 2016 | 5:07pm

Report: Everton striker target wants to stay in London, Blues could lose out to rivals

By Tom Blackburn

Loic Remy has told Chelsea he wants to stay in London rather than joining Everton, according to a report.

French newspaper L’Equipe claims that his most likely destination is Crystal Palace, which could also derail Chelsea’s bid to sign 22-year-old Romelu Lukaku from Everton.

The Daily Mail claimed at the start of the month that Chelsea’s chase for Lukaku has infuriated the Merseysiders, who intend to keep the striker and even extend his contract.

The report also claims that Chelsea were confident an offer of £65million plus Remy in part-exchange would secure a deal.

Chelsea have been chasing Lukaku this summer and were hoping that offering former QPR striker Remy, 29, would help swing the deal.

Remy joined Chelsea from QPR for £11million in 2014 after he spent a season on loan at Newcastle.

He has struggled to fit in at Stamford Bridge and is considered a disappointment having notched 12 goals in 47 appearances.

Chelsea have added Michy Batshuayi to their strike force this summer, so Remy has slipped further down the pecking order.

The Daily Mail claimed on Tuesday that Lyon were making plans to sign Remy on loan, in case Alexandre Lacazette leaves the club.

Chelsea are hoping this won’t stop their pursuit of Lukaku, with the Stamford Bridge club desperate to bring the powerful Belgian back to London from Everton.

Lukaku left Chelsea two years ago when he became the Merseysiders’ £28million club-record signing, following an impressive season on loan at the club.

In other Everton transfer news, Liverpool eye a 30-times-capped Holland international and the Toffees are interested.