Ronald Koeman reportedly wants £100m to spend if Everton sell Ross Barkley and Romelu Lukaku.
Everton manager Ronald Koeman
According to The Mirror, Everton manager Ronald Koeman would demand £100million in order to replace Ross Barkley and Romelu Lukaku should the duo be sold this summer.
The Toffees have splashed the cash thanks to Farhad Moshiri’s investment, but their new-found ambition may fall on deaf ears as they look to keep hold of Barkley and Lukaku.
Midfielder Barkley, 23, has come up through the ranks at Goodison Park, and whilst he has endured an up-and-down relationship with manager Koeman, he has proven his worth this season.
The England international has notched four goals and seven assists in the Premier League this term, but he has just over a year left on his contract – and having so far failed to agree a new deal, the Daily Mail claim that Tottenham are interested in signing him.
Meanwhile, striker Lukaku – also 23 – is enjoying a superb season in front of goal, having hit 21 goals in 28 Premier League games for Everton this term.
However, the former Chelsea striker, who arrived on Merseyside from Chelsea on a permanent basis in the summer of 2014, has rejected a new £140,000-a-week contract, and is expected to move on this summer.
Everton’s Ross Barkley and Romelu Lukaku
Now, The Mirror report that Everton could expect to recoup around £35million for Barkley and £65million for Lukaku, with manager Koeman ready to demand the full £100million to replace both players.
Whilst strengthening other areas such as goalkeeper and centre back with the likes of Jordan Pickford and Michael Keane should be a priority, the focus will be on landing a replacement playmaker and striker for Barkley and Lukaku.
Ajax’s Davy Klaassen or RB Leipzig’s Emil Forsberg could fit the bill in midfield, whilst Celtic’s Moussa Dembele or Villarreal’s Cedric Bakambu may be options in attack, with Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney another possible target to fill either role, with Koeman understandably putting a huge emphasis on replacing his two key players.
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