Exclusive - Romelu Lukaku still open to signing new Everton contract

Romeu Lukaku has not rejected Everton’s latest offer of a new contract and all parties involved in the deal remain hopeful that negotiations will end successfully, sources have told Yahoo Sport.

Reports in England have suggested that Belgian striker Lukaku has turned down a lucrative contract offer from Everton, amid transfer interest from a host of Europe’s top clubs.

Read more: Lukaku ‘to turn down new Everton contract’

Sky Sports have reported that a disagreement over a release clause in a potential contract is a stumbling block in the talks, but there remains optimism that agreement can be reached that will keep the 23-year-old at Goodison Park.

We understand that Everton’s lucrative contract offer to Lukaku remains on the table, with fresh talks planned in the coming weeks for a striker who still have two years left on his current deal.

The report of a breakdown in negotiations over a new contract came as something of a surprise, after Lukaku’s agent Mino Raiola suggested last month that the striker who has fired 62 Premier League goals over the last three seasons for Everton will stay at the Merseyside club.

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“There are no problems right now between the player and the club,”‘ Raiola told stated. “Talks are ongoing. He will sign.”

Despite the reports on Tuesday in the UK, it appears the door remains open for Lukaku to sign a deal that will allow Everton boss Ronald Koeman to build his side around the powerhouse striker beyond the end of this season.