STRIKER LIGHT!
PREMIER LEAGUE Jags: We need two hitmen if Lukaku is sold
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PHIL JAGIELKA says Everton must spend big on two goalscorers if they lose star striker Romelu Lukaku this summer.
The Toffees centre-back believes they could cope without the Belgian but says boss Ronald Koeman might need more than one replacement to make up for the loss of goals.
Lukaku, 24, hit 25 Premier League goals last season and is a target for former club Chelsea and Manchester United.
“Obviously, his goals would be a massive loss but I don’t know if he’s going or if he’s not going,” said Jagielka.
“It would be up to the manager and the club to replace him. If we sign two players in his place and they both score 15 goals, then OK.
“Most clubs would want Romelu Lukaku in their team. If it’s not to be us next season, we have to make sure we’ve got people that either come in or step up to the plate.
Compete
“The one disappointing thing last season was not that Romelu got us all those goals, but that not many other people hit double figures as well. “If you are going to compete at the top level, you need two, three or four people getting at least eight goals and upwards and that’s something we’ll be looking at. “I’m sure the manager has an idea of who he wants for what position, he doesn’t need to phone me and tell me what he’s going to do!” Jagielka, 34, is ready to fight for his place, despite being touted for a move, with Koeman heavily linked with Burnley defender Michael Keane. “I will go back as fit as I can and put a marker down and be in the team and stay in the team,” said Jagielka, speaking to promote the Icons of Football golf event at The Belfry. “I’m sure the manager will sign at least one centre-half but competition for places is nothing new in football.” Koeman (left) yesterday signed Nigerian striker Henry Onyekuru for £6.8m from Belgian side Eupen. But the 20-year-old, who was the top scorer in Belgium last season, will spend the coming campaign on loan at Anderlecht. England (1) ................ 2 Germany (1) ............... 2 Champions League 1st qualifying rd, 1st leg: CRICKET Specsavers County Championship Division One – Chelmsford: The Rose Bowl: Headingley: – Chesterle-Street:
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