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06th Jun 2017

Romelu Lukaku says that he knows where he wants to play next year

Lukaku was asked about Manchester United's failure to sign Antoine Griezmann

Darragh Culhane

Romelu Lukaku has said that he knows where he will be playing club football next season.

The Everton striker has been linked with a move away from the club, after refusing a new contract to remain at Goodison Park.

With 87 goals in 167 games for Everton, Lukaku won’t be short of suitors, and the 24-year-old has been linked with a return to Chelsea, and to Manchester United.

Speaking to Belgian media, Lukaku was tight-lipped about what team he would be playing for but that he has made up his mind.

“My agent knows what’s going to happen. I know what I want to do, and whenever something happens, you guys will know.”

Kristof Terreur

The striker was speaking after Belgium’s international friendly victory over the Czech Republic on Monday night and has long been touted to return to Chelsea.

The 24-year-old did not sign a new contract at Everton, saying that he wants to play Champions League football but a potential suitor will have to cough up a large amount for the striker after scored 25 league goals this season, second to only Tottenham striker Harry Kane.

Lukaku also paid tribute to Cheick Tiote, who passed away on Monday. Lukaku was at Anderlecht when Tiote was a player there.

“He was there the first year I arrived and I saw him frequently,” Lukaku said.

“This is such a shock. He was a really nice guy, a great guy and a leader as well. Every time I saw him after that and played him in the Premier League, he remembered me as a small kid.

“It’s devastating for the players of the Ivory Coast and his family and friends. All our thoughts are with them.”

He will next line out on Friday night when Belgium face Estonia in a World Cup Qualifier.