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Cape Town - Everton striker Romelu Lukaku has admitted that he nearly left the club for an English Premier League rival in the off-season.
Ever since joining the Toffees in a £28 million deal from Chelsea two seasons ago, the Belgium international has impressed for the Merseysiders, scoring 45 goals in all competitions.
His performances caught the attention of various clubs across Europe, with the Blues and Juventus reportedly particularly keen on the 23-year-old.
Speaking to Belgian publication Sport/Voetbalmagazine this week, Lukaku admitted that an English club was interested in signing him, but that Everton blocked the proposed move.
"I'm not going to lie. There was a specific club in England who was really keen to buy me," he said.
"I would not say no to Serie A, La Liga, Ligue 1 or the Bundesliga but, before such a move, several conditions need to be met.
"First I need a coach to work with who believes in me as there is no point in signing for someone and then realise on the spot that the system is not designed for me.
"But Everton's new staff made me understand they didn't want me to leave. What can you do when that happens?"
