Cottee urges Everton to give Lukaku what he wants

Cape Town - Former Everton forward Tony Cottee says his former club should do whatever it takes to keep striker Romelu Lukaku at Goodison Park.

Lukaku, who is the Premier League's leading scorer so far this season with 21 goals, has reportedly decided against signing a new deal with the Toffees and has questioned the club's ambition.

But television pundit Cottee, who scored 72 goals for Everton between 1988 and 1994, feels the club should do everything necessary to keep the 23-year-old Belgium international, even if that means going over the salary cap.

Cottee said on the Premier League Daily show: "The Lukaku situation is frustrating. If you're an Everton fan, you want it to be sorted out.

"You don't want to be reading that your top striker is 99% certain of signing a contract and then, all of a sudden, he is not going to sign.

"If it is about money, give him whatever he wants. Even if it is £250,000 a week.

"If you keep that player and he scores the goals that get you in the Champions League, it is an absolute bargain."

He added: "The one thing you can't deny is he is still only 23 years of age, he has been in outstanding form this season, and he is one of the top strikers in Europe."