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Everton manager Ronald Koeman has vowed to do everything he can to keep Chelsea target Romelu Lukaku at Goodison Park.
However Koeman acknowledges that he may not be able to convince the Belgian striker that his future is best served at Everton.
The 23-year-old, who scored twice in Everton’s 4-2 win over Leicester, has declined the offer of a new contract at Goodison Park and hinted that he believes the Merseyside club’s ambition does not match his own.
Chelsea will lead the race for Lukaku should he become available, though they will have to pay over £65million to secure him, but they are unlikely to be the only European giant to make a move for the Premier League’s top scorer.
Speaking after Sunday’s victory Koeman admitted that he might not be able to keep hold of his star striker.
“Romelu Lukaku is one of the best strikers in the world and I think the boy is improving in different aspects,” he told BBC Sport. “I can't change him in how he needs to finish. In my opinion he's the best finisher.
“Everybody knows he's a key player for Everton and we will try to do everything to keep him here but the final decision is always with the player. Everyone knows he has his own ambition but we will try our best.”
Lukaku is now the odds-on favourite to win the Premier League Golden Boot after scoring his 22nd and 23rd goals of the season, taking him four clear of nearest rival Harry Kane.
Golden Boot odds (via 888Sport)
Lukaku: 33/100
Kane: 6/1
Sanchez: 12/1
Costa: 18/1
Aguero: 18/1
Ibrahimovic: 18/1
Alli: 80/1
Click here to place a bet. Odds correct as of April 9 at 6pm.
