Everton striker Romelu Lukaku could sign a new contract at the club after Ronald Koeman confirmed the striker wants to stay at Goodison Park.
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However, goals from Kevin Mirallas and Gareth Barry either side of half-time saw Koeman claim his first three-point haul as Toffees boss after the 1-1 draw at home to Tottenham on the opening day.
Rejecting reported interest from former team Chelsea, Koeman likened the decision to a marquee signing, believing Lukaku will be a cornerstone for his vision of Everton.
Speaking after Saturday’s victory over West Brom, the 53-year-old said: “He told me yesterday that he made the decision by himself to stay for at least one more season”.
Yannick Bolasie – The Toffees arguably have more important players in Romelu Lukaku and Ross Barkley, but how numerous regular first-teamers Koeman rests for this match against Sky Bet League Two opposition remains to be seen.
Chelsea had been confident they would clinch Lukaku’s return to boost Conte’s striker options. “I won’t be so stupid to put him on the bench next week”. “It is absolutely fantastic for the club and our team”, Koeman said after their trip to the Hawthorns. Then, after a hard 38 minutes, Lukaku entered the fray.
“It gave a different situation for us in the dressing room and a different situation for West Brom”.
Brendan Galloway has joined West Bromwich Albion on a season-long loan deal.
Unfit to start either of the first two matches, Lukaku is expected to lead the line on Tuesday in a team also featuring new signings Yannick Bolasie and Ashley Williams.
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“They’ve got threats and you have to respect they are Premier League players”.
