Everton line up Lukaku replacement

A short while ago, Romelu Lukaku looked set to commit his long term future to Premier League club Everton, with deal being "99 percent done" according to his agent. However, Lukaku has this week refused to sign a new contract at the club, meaning that despite having two years left on his current deal, the Belgian striker could be on his way out of Goodison Park. Today, a potential replacement for Lukaku has emerged. 

Lukaku has been in fine form for the Toffees this season, scoring nineteen goals in the Premier League. The 23 year old has expressed his desire to play Champions League football many times in the past, which appears to be the main reason that he has refused the opportunity to become Everton's all time highest paid player. With two years remaining on his current contract, one bonus for Everton is that they will be able to demand a high fee for him. 

Former club Chelsea are rumoured to be interested, with Antonio Conte being known to like the option of a big striker in the past, along with the speculation that Diego Costa is set to leave Stamford Bridge. Manchester United also appear keen to sign Lukaku, with Wayne Rooney and Zlatan Ibrahimovic's futures uncertain at Old Trafford. If a deal is to happen, it is expected to cost the successful team £60-70 million. 

Today, reports in The Sun have suggested that Ronald Koeman is open to the possibility of signing Genoa striker Giovanni Simeone. Giovanni, son of Atletico Madrid manager Diego, has been in good form in Serie A this season, scoring eleven goals in twenty seven appearances. At the age of twenty one, Simeone is a great prospect, and with the large fee that would come from the potential sale of Lukaku, Everton would be able to compete with any other interested clubs.