Manchester United star Lukaku was tentatively linked with a move to Real Madrid back during the summer transfer window.
The Belgium international was being eyed by the La Liga giants as they contemplated various ways to replace Cristiano Ronaldo, who jumped ship to Juventus.
Ultimately, Manchester United managed to keep Lukaku who has been in fine form of late, bagging an impressive six goals from his last four outings across all competitions.
Yet a fresh report from Spain suggests Los Blancos’ inability to land the striker has caused outrage – because they signed a goalkeeper instead of a position they really needed.
It is claimed by Ok Diario that Real Madrid players wanted Lukaku signed back in the summer.
Sergio Ramos was leading calls for the 25-year-old to become their marquee signing of the summer transfer window.
However, Real players were supposedly left outraged when the Real hierarchy refused to fork out.
Instead, they signed Thibaut Courtois from Chelsea in a move that did not sit well.
The Belgium international was signed as an upgrade on Keylor Navas but, months on, is still struggling for form.
Ok Diario add that Real players also believe that the signing of Courtois was unnecessary due to Navas – who had won them three Champions League titles.
Meanwhile, Lukaku has withdrawn from Belgium’s squad for matches against Russia and Cyprus.
The 25-year-old missed United’s 2-1 defeat to Wolves with a sore foot.
He initially travelled to Belgium ahead of the Russia showdown.
Yet he has now been sent back and is expected to feature when United face Watford on March 30.