Koeman: Lukaku more than just a goal machine

EVERTON manager Ronald Koeman admits the improvements Romelu Lukaku has made to his game this season have only made him more attractive to other clubs.

Koeman believes the Belgium international is a better all-round player this campaign, irrespective of the 24 goals which have made him the top scorer in the Premier League this term.

Lukaku, who has told the club he will not sign a new contract to replace the existing two years on his current deal, is already six better than last year’s top-flight total and while that has helped Everton secure Europa League football it has made him even more of a target for potential suitors.

“He has scored 24 goals and with five games to go he can reach a really high total,” said Koeman, who refused to speculate on suggestions the club have put a £100 million price tag on the 23-year-old.

“It is like for any player who is performing at a high level — every team likes to have goalscorers in the team because goals make points for the team.

“But I think he is improving in the rest of his football. He is doing better pressing and running in the channels.

“He is now a better striker for the team than he was last year.

“I’ve had several conversations about how, in my opinion, he needs to play as a striker and he is working hard and improving.

“If someone is interested for sure they will call the board and then we will speak about it but we will try to do everything to keep him at Everton next season.”

Everton travel to West Ham tomorrow and can move above Arsenal and Manchester United with victory.