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Everton could turn to West Brom’s Salomon Rondon to replace Romelu Lukaku

Everton's Romelu Lukaku celebrates scoring their third goal (REUTERS)
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Everton look set to lose star striker Romelu Lukaku this summer but they could replace him by turning to West Bromwich Albion.

Everton's Romelu LukakuEverton’s Romelu Lukaku

Ronald Koeman will be keen for more firepower this summer if – as is expected – ambitious star Lukaku returns to Chelsea, as reported by Sky Sports.

Lukaku is one of the most coveted strikers in Europe this summer after finishing runner-up to Spurs star Harry Kane in the Premier League scoring charts last season.

While some doubts remain over his ability to do it in the big games, the Belgian’s overall ability and the fact he has many years left in him at the top level should make for a hefty transfer fee from West London.

Given his stature, power, pace and finishing ability Lukaku will not be an easy man to replace.

But Koeman could do a lot worse than go big for West Brom‘s excellent Salomon Rondon.

In terms of attributes the 27-year-old Venezuelan bears some striking similarities to Lukaku and a very good goal record of 128 strikes in 367 games to boot.

That’s a goal every 2.8 games compared to Lukaku’s rate of a goal every 2.1 games.

West Brom's Salomon Rondon celebrates scoring their second goalWest Brom’s Salomon Rondon celebrates

West Brom – and manager Tony Pulis in particular – rate Rondon highly and are ambitious themselves after one of their best ever Premier League seasons.

The Baggies have proved in recent seasons with their stance over Rondon – who attracted recent interest from China – and Saido Berahino that they are serious about establishing themselves as a top 10 side.

Southampton manager Ronald Koeman (L) and West Brom manager Tony Pulis before the matchToffees boss Ronald Koeman and West Brom manager Tony Pulis

But with cash no longer an issue for the big spending Toffees, Koeman will be hoping the right offer might tempt West Brom to do business.

The Hammers would undoubtedly face competition for his signature but would represent a step up in terms of stature and ambition, playing in front of 66,000 people every other week from next season.