Koeman calls on Everton’s fans to help keep Lukaku

LONDON: Ronald Koeman hopes Everton fans will continue to play their part in convincing Romelu Lukaku they can help him achieve his ambitions.

The Belgian was given a thunderous ovation before Everton’s trouncing of Hull and even louder acclaim at the final whistle, after his late double took his Premier League tally to 21 for the campaign.

Everton are still in talks with his agent Mino Raiola to try to and persuade Lukaku to change his mind after the 23-year-old said he was not prepared to sign a new deal.

Koeman knows Lukaku will make the call on his next step, but the Everton manager was delighted that the home crowd did not turn on the striker after he had questioned the club’s ambition.

“I’m happy that the fans were listening to me about his reception,” said Koeman.

“We like to keep our best players because we need them to make the next step.

“The final decision is normally always made by the player himself.

“Rom is different because we speak about (having) two years (left on his) contract but, the final decision is by the board.” Daily Mail