Everton are ready to fight to keep hold of Chelsea target Romelu Lukaku this summer as they prepare to hold talks with the striker’s agent.
Lukaku is one of a number of players incoming Blues boss Antonio Conte is understood to have placed on a shortlist of recruits handed to the club’s transfer chiefs.
The 23-year-old was sold to the Goodison Park club for £28million in 2014 but feels he has unfinished business after a difficult time in west London.
He has openly discussed an Everton departure this summer with Chelsea , PSG, Juventus and a host of other top European teams monitoring the situation.
Alvaro Morata and Gonzalo Higuain are among the other names on Conte's wish-list.
Lukaku is away on international duty with Belgium at Euro 2016 and starred for the Red Devils on Saturday as they swept aside Ireland in a 3-0 victory.
However, the Toffees are already working on plans to ward off interest in their star man as they look to discuss his future with Dutch super agent Mino Raiola.
Ronaldo Koeman is the new man in charge on Merseyside after being named as Roberto Martinez’s replacement and the former Southampton boss is keen to hold talks with Lukaku himself.
“I don't know,” Koeman told the Liverpool Echo when questioned over Lukaku’s desire to leave.
“I will speak to him and listen to him and if I can convince him to stay that's very good news. We will see what happens.”
Lukaku has consistently fuelled speculation over his future by refusing to commit to Everton for next season and appears open to a move to Paris.
"PSG are a great club, with a magnificent project, a world-class squad,” he said. £But everything is in the hands of my agent.
"A lot of clubs are obviously interested in having me in their squad."
"I have to continue to play well and have a good European Championship so that more clubs are interested in me.
"But I'm still under contract with Everton. We'll see what happens."
