Romelu Lukaku will not re-sign with Everton

Lukaku has supposedly turned down the most lucrative contract offer in the club’s history, worth £140,000 a week.

“Mino Raiola, who is Lukaku’s agent, had previously said that his client was 99.9 per cent” certain of extending his stay at Everton, but the Belgium global informed Everton officials of his decision after a training session this week.

The Sky Sports pundit recently filmed a segment with the striker at Everton’s training ground.

Should Everton open the door to selling Lukaku, Manchester United could even make a move should Ibrahimovic decide to leave Old Trafford after one season.

The news will come as a shock to many, not least Everton themselves, who were confident of keeping Lukaku, who has scored 19 goals in 27 Premier League appearances so far this season.

“If you can’t bring other [big name] players into the club you might lose a very, very talented manager”.

Mino Raiola had suggested that a deal was only a matter of time, with Lukaku prepared to sign amid speculation regarding his future.

First club Chelsea would love to take him back to Stamford Bridge, while Manchester United are also in the hunt for a striker. He joined the club from Chelsea in 2013 initially on-loan, before signing permanently the following summer for £28m. We are very happy with Romelu and want to reward him.

Everton head of recruitment Steve Walsh will have a big job on his hands if Romelu Lukaku decides to walk through the exit doors of Finch Farm this summer.

The Belgium global is also keen to play in the Champions League next season.

His value has soared each year he has been at Goodison Park and, despite his decision, Everton will still be able to demand a huge fee should he request a transfer this summer.