Joey Barton claims that Everton have made an outrageous mistake

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Everton sold Romelu Lukaku to Manchester United and failed to replace him adequately.

Joey Barton has told the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast, which was broadcast on TalkSPORT on 2nd October, that it is absolutely outrageous that Everton did not replace Romelu Lukaku.

Everton sold Lukaku to Manchester United, but they failed to bring in a striker to lead the line.

And that oversight in the transfer window appears to be coming back to haunt them now.

Ronald Koeman has been forced to recall Oumar Niasse to his first-team, while Everton have also had to rely on youngster Dominic Calvert-Lewin to inject some pace into their team.

And Barton feels that it is totally shocking that Everton did not sign a new number nine.

“They never replaced Lukaku. You can’t have somebody in your side that scores 20+ goals a season and not replace him with a like-for-like centre-forward,” Barton said.

“Sometimes I feel Evertonians were harsh on Lukaku. Some of them wanted to cash in on him because of his work-rate. I remember saying you have to be careful what you wish for.

“How Everton have sold him and not have somebody in the number nine jersey come in and replace him is outrageous.

“Somebody somewhere in the club is culpable for that. But do I believe that is Ronald Koeman? No I don’t.”

Koeman has come under serious pressure at Everton, as the Toffees have performed well below expectations so far this campaign.

Everton lost 1-0 to Burnley yesterday in front of their own supporters, and the reaction of the Goodison Park crowd at full-time highlighted the frustrations being felt around the club currently.

Everton are sat in 16th place in the Premier League table at the moment, with Koeman’s side next in action against Brighton & Hove Albion.