Gareth Barry delivers verdict on Everton future if Lukaku stays
By Matt Farr
Everton midfielder Gareth Barry insists that team-mate Romelu Lukaku can lead the club to the Champions League.
The 23-year-old has been strongly linked with a move away from the club, amid a desire to fulfil his ambition of playing regularly in Europe’s premier competition.
However, Barry does not believe that Lukaku has to leave Everton to achieve his dream, insisting that he can make it happen at Goodison Park.
He told TalkSport: “I’m sure he would have had conversations with the powers at the club and they are desperate to get there [the Champions League].
“With the signings we are making and the manager we have got at the minute, that is the road we want to go.
“Sometimes you have to be patient but I’m confident that if Rom sticks around, Everton can get there.”
Lukaku has yet to sign a new contract with Everton, with his current deal set to expire in 2019, raising further doubts over his long-term future with the club.
Meanwhile, his agent Mino Raiola has refused to make guarantees that his client would stay at the club beyond the current campaign.
Everton value him very highly, but they may be resigned to losing him in six months’ time when a bigger club come knocking.
He has been in scintillating form for the Toffees this season, netting 17 goals from 25 appearances in all competitions, including a four-goal haul against Bournemouth on Saturday.
Chelsea, who sold Lukaku to Everton for £28million in 2014, are believed to be among those interested in signing the Belgian international this summer.
As for Everton’s Champions League goals, they are currently seventh in the Premier League, seven points adrift a qualification place.
In other Everton news, Garth Crooks has named Lukaku in his Premier League team of the week, but what else did he have to say about the striker?
We’ve launched an << EXCLUSIVE TRANSFER WINDOW NEWS FEED>>. ‘Like Us’ on Facebook by clicking here if you want 24/7 updates on all Everton transfer news.