Koeman encourages Lukaku to leave Everton

Nov 9, 2016 - 8:57 PM Everton striker Romelu Lukaku will have to leave Everton to realise his full potential, according to his English Premier League club's manager Ronald Koeman.

The 23-year-old Belgium international joined the club on loan from Chelsea in 2013 before making the move permanent in an Everton record STG28 million deal in 2014.

British media reported that Lukaku asked for a transfer this year but he remained at Goodison Park and has scored seven league goals this season.

"His potential is greater and higher than Everton as a final destination," Koeman told Belgian newspaper HLN.

"If Romelu was to play at Everton until the end of his career I know he has left something behind.

"I gave him confidence and he has himself recognised that it was good for his development to play another year at Everton. What after this season comes, no-one knows."

Lukaku, who started his career with Anderlecht before joining Chelsea in 2011, has scored 17 goals in 52 internationals.

Source: AAP