:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/60997595/879747076.jpg.0.jpg)
Marco Silva reaffirmed his desire not to allow speculation over Ademola Lookman’s future to become a distraction.
Lookman has been the subject of multiple bids from German club RB Leipzig over the summer, having spent the second half of last season on loan at the Bundesliga side, scoring five goals in 11 games.
It was reported on Monday that Leipzig made a £22m offer for the 20-year-old, which falls short of Everton’s rumoured valuation of £28m plus add-ons [Sky Sports].
While conjecture continues over whether Lookman wants the move, Toffees manager Silva today reiterated that his mind is focused firmly on the Blues’ trip to Bournemouth on Saturday. He said:
“If you can, ask him about this situation.
“If he stays here he has to be convinced it is the right way. Of course, I am here to convince him like all the other players, but for me it is not difficult. He is in a big club and has to understand that.
“I understand why some clubs are interested in him, because he is a good player with a lot of talent.
Prior to Everton’s opener at Wolverhampton two weeks ago, Silva confirmed he categorically wanted to keep Lookman, but admitted last week he was left out of the matchday squad at Molineux for a “technical decision”, rather than an injury-related issue.
Silva also described Lookman as Everton’s “present and future” today, just as he did in the same press conference before the draw at Wolves.
The youngster, who has scored three times in 24 Everton appearances since signing for £11.5m from Charlton in January 2017, was an unused substitute in last Saturday’s victory over Southampton at Goodison Park.