Everton striker Romelu Lukaku could sign a new contract at the club after Ronald Koeman confirmed the striker wants to stay at Goodison Park.

The 23-year-old has been a transfer target for his former club Chelsea this summer but the striker has told the Everton boss that he wants to stay for "at least one more season".

Toffees succeed in keeping hold of their biggest asset

Lukaku expressed a desire to play European football and was left frustrated by Everton's 11th place finish last season under Roberto Martinez, but the Toffees were determined to keep hold of their biggest asset and it became one of Ronald Koeman's main priorities ever since he took over the Goodison helm earlier this summer.

Both Koeman and major shareholder Farhad Moshiri wanted to convince the Belgium international that he can fulfil his ambitions at Everton and the Blues boss confirmed, after his side's 2-1 win at West Brom on Saturday, that the striker spoke to him on Friday to tell him he plans to stay at Goodison Park for at least another season.

Koeman said that the Belgian made the decision "by himself" to stay at the club for "at least one more season" and the Blues boss said Lukaku's declaration is "great news for everybody" associated with the club. Koeman said that it is "possible" that Lukaku might sign a new contract at the Blues.

Lukaku was a substitute in Everton's 2-1 win over West Brom on Saturday. | Photo: Getty Images
Lukaku was a substitute in Everton's 2-1 win over West Brom on Saturday. | Photo: Getty Images

Lukaku staying is a 'mega-signing' for Everton

Writing in his column in Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, Koeman believes the striker's declaration of commitment has the "same value as a big money transfer". The Blues boss praised both the player's ability and attitude saying "not only is he a good player but a fine person". He added that Lukaku "lives his football in the fashion that you would want a top footballer to do."

It is a huge boost for the Merseyside club as his performances are in doubt going to be key if Everton are going to improve on last season's disappointing campaign. The Belgian has scored 43 league goals for the Toffees since moving from Chelsea for £28million in 2014, including a season-long loan spell the season before.

Last season Lukaku became the Blues' highest ever scorer in a single Premier League campaign; his 18 goals eclipsed totals previously set by Tony Cottee (in 1993/94) and Andrei Kanchelskis (in 1995/96).

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About the author
Adam Bailey
Everton editor, who also covers cycling and athletics.