Koeman confirms new Lukaku contract in progress

Earlier this week superstar agent Mino Raiola was reported to have said that a new Everton deal for Romelu Lukaku was 99% done.

During his pre-match press conference ahead of the Boxing Day trip to Leicester City, Ronald Koeman laughed off Raoila’s comments, saying it was news to him if the talks were that well advanced.

“I know that they are in talks together about a new contract - but if it’s 99 per cent I need to believe his agent!”

He continued to say -

“It’s a big deal and that’s what the club is showing to keep the best players, to do everything to keep them at the club because that’s the future.

“You don’t know what can happen in football in one year but he is a big part of Everton’s future.”

When asked about any other transfer window dealings, including the rumours about Manchester United’s Morgan Schneiderlin, he refused to comment -

“I spoke to the board and we spoke with Steve Walsh.

“We mentioned what we need and which kind of players we need to make the squad stronger in January and you will see what happens in the coming weeks.

“Of course I know Morgan Schneiderlin because we worked one season together then he moved to Manchester United.”