Thursday, 22 December 2016

Ronald Koeman says keeping Romelu Lukaku will show Everton’s intent

• ‘It’s an understanding that the boy likes to stay’
• James McCarthy out for up to three weeks with hamstring injury

Ronald Koeman has described Romelu Lukaku’s willingness to sign a new contract at Everton as a reflection of the club’s ambition despite uncertainty over the striker’s long-term future.

Lukaku’s agent, Mino Raiola, said on Wednesday that the terms of a new deal are 99.9% agreed but his client’s position will be reassessed at the end of the season. The 23-year-old, who has two and a half years remaining on his existing contract, is expected to receive improved terms of around £100,000 a week and the new deal may not include a break clause. Regardless of the summer, Koeman believes the Belgium forward is in keeping with the level of talent Everton want to bring to the club.

Continue reading...Football | The Guardian http://ift.tt/2ig5lVI