Lukaku boot deal holds the key to his Everton future - Times

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Published on:

01 Apr 2017, 3:22 am

By Alex Stevens

Romelu Lukaku is refusing to sign a new boot deal while his Everton future remains up in the air, according to a report.

The Times claim the Goodison spearhead will not make a decision on his footwear until he knows which club he will be playing for next season.

It is said that Lukaku's deal with sportswear firm Nike expired recently and he is deliberating whether to sign an extension or move to German giants Adidas.

The Times report that Lukaku has worn a range of boots while racing to the top of the Premier League scoring charts this season, including ones made by Nike, Adidas and Puma.

The striker's boot deal holds the key to his future, as he wants the manufacturer to mirror the kit sponsorship of his club.

Intriguingly, the player's suitors Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain are sponsored by Nike, while Manchester United's kit is made by Adidas.

Lukaku's tactics in negotiations echo those used in his contractual stand-off with Everton.

The Belgium international delivered the bombshell news to club chiefs earlier this month that he would not be extending his current contract, which is due to expire in the summer of 2019.

Elite clubs in the Premier League and across Europe have been linked with big-money swoops for the Belgium international, with Manchester United, Chelsea and Atletico Madrid among those credited with an interest.

Lukaku has been in prolific form for Everton this season, scoring 22 goals from 30 matches in all competitions, 21 of which have come in the Premier League.

He is set to lead the front line for Ronald Koeman's side in their Merseyside derby clash against Liverpool at Anfield on Saturday, with the kick-off at 12.30pm.

In other Everton transfer news, the club are close to reaching an agreement to sign a brilliant striker.

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