Ronald Koeman remains confident that Romelu Lukaku will sign a new deal with Everton.
A proposed five-year contract for the Belgium international has hit a stumbling block after Lukaku refused to agree terms and publicly questioned the Blues’ ambitions.
The striker’s agent Mino Raiola previously claimed that Lukaku on the verge of extending his current Goodison Park stay, with a deal ‘99.9 per cent’ concluded.
But Koeman insists that the Everton hierarchy are still working to tie Lukaku down to an extension, with his current deal expiring in summer 2019.
He said: “First of all, the deal wasn’t agreed – ‘99.9 per cent’ is not 100.
“They are still trying to get the contract over the line. That’s what I know from the board.
“I’m not so afraid about his situation because the player, I think, has two more years [remaining] on his contract.
“Everybody knows what can happen in football but you need to respect your contract.”
The Everton manager also refuted the 23-year-old’s suggestion that the club cannot match his ambitions.
“I’m not happy about that interview because if Everton FC is not a club with ambition, I wouldn’t be the manager,” insisted Koeman.
“I spoke with Rom this morning. I know it’s difficult but if you are a player, prepare yourself to play good, to score goals and we know he’s one of the best.
“The rest needs to be done by the manager and the board of the club.”