Transfer Centre

Ronald Koeman: 'Everton want to keep Romelu Lukaku'

By Barney Corkhill, Editor | 11 August 2016

Everton boss Ronald Koeman insists that Romelu Lukaku and Phil Jagielka will stay at the club this summer, while also revealing that he hopes to make four new signings.

Everton manager Ronald Koeman has played down the possibility of Romelu Lukaku leaving the club this summer.

The Belgian has been linked with a move away from Goodison Park following a disappointing 2015-16 campaign, with Chelsea among those thought to be interested in the striker.

However, Koeman made no secret of his desire to hold on to both Lukaku and captain Phil Jagielka, whose place in the team could be under threat following the arrival of Ashley Williams, while also revealing that he hopes to bring in as many as four new players before the end of the transfer window.

"We had to get a new defender and Ashley brings experience, leadership and he knows the Premier League," he told reporters.

"Romelu Lukaku is still an Everton player and we want to keep our best players. Phil Jagielka is the captain of the team. We don't have too many centre-backs. We need four so there is no way he can leave the club.

"We are not at the level we need to be yet. We are working hard and we will improve. But the team will be strong on Saturday. I don't comment on rumours. We have discussions with the board and with Steve Walsh, and we want three or four more players."

Everton will host Tottenham Hotspur in their opening match of the Premier League season on Saturday.