Everton want to break record fee for striker, sticking point is release clause – report

Tue 14 March 2017 9:34, UK

By Matt Farr

Romelu Lukaku has been dealt a significant blow in his bid to land a new contract at Everton, according to a report.

Telegraph sources understand that negotiations between the two parties have stalled as Everton are unwilling to include a buy-out clause of less than £90million for his services.

Everton are keen to retain the services of their most prized asset, and by valuing the player at £90million, it would heavily reduce the risk of losing him to another club. Or leave them in a fantastic position to replace him.

It would mean that any club would have to break the world record fee to sign him.

But Lukaku, 23, is not ready to agree to Everton’s current terms, despite his agent Mino Raiola earlier claiming he was ‘99.999 per cent’ to commit his future to the club.

It is believed that a release clause between £60million and £70million is where negotiations have fallen short, with Everton chairman Bill Kenwright refusing to agree to such a deal that would be well within the financial reach of their Premier League rivals.

Chelsea and Manchester United are both understood to be closely monitoring the striker’s contract situation, and if talks continue to stall, are likely to make a move for him well before his current deal expires in two years’ time.