Everton boss Silva swats away Lookman speculation as RB Leipzig circle

Everton manager Marco Silva is determined to keep hold of young forward Ademola Lookman despite sustained interested from RB Leipzig.

The 20-year-old spent the second half of last season on loan with the Bundesliga club and they have already had two bids to sign him permanently rejected.

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Lookman made the matchday squad for the first time this season for Saturday’s win over Southampton but did not get on the pitch.

“He is our player. You know what my technical opinion of the player is and the player knows. For me it is not an issue,” said Silva.

“I understand some clubs are interested in him but at the end I told you last week, I told you two weeks ago, (in) my opinion he is the present and the future of the club and we have to try to convince him to go in this way as well.”

Winger Yannick Bolasie, however, is set to go on loan to Aston Villa after Silva said: “I have spoken to him. I want to keep the player with us and I want them to fight for their positions but now is the moment for him to decide as well.”