Jagielka gives Everton advice ahead of imminent Lukaku exit

Ashley Colbourn

WEST BROMWICH, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 28: Romelu Lukaku of Everton (10) celebrates with Phil Jagielka as he scores their third goal during the Barclays Premier League match between West Bromwich Albion and Everton at The Hawthorns on September 28, 2015 in West Bromwich, United Kingdom. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

Everton defender Phil Jagielka believes the club will need to bring in two strikers to replace Romelu Lukaku’s goals, if the Belgian leaves the club this summer. 

The 34 year old says the club would be able to cope with the loss of the striker, if suitable replacements are brought in .

The toffees bought the striker in the summer of 2014 in a deal worth a club record £28m, after he impressed on loan in the second half of the 2013/14 season.

Since making the move permanent, the Belgian international has scored 53 Premier League goals, including 25 last season as the club finished 7th and secured a Europa League place.

Jagielka told the Daily Star: “Obviously his goals would be a massive loss but I don’t know if he’s going or if he’s not going. It would be up to the manager and the club to replace him. If we sign two players in his place and they both score 15 goals then OK.

The one disappointing thing last season was obviously not that Romelu got us all those goals, but that not many other people hit double figures as well.”

Lukaku has been continually linked with a move away this summer, with Chelsea and Manchester United being frequently touted as potential destinations for the striker.

Everton have signed Nigerian striker Henry Onyekuru for £6.8m, but he will spend the season on loan at Anderlecht, while they hope to complete a deal for Malaga’s Sandro Ramirez shortly.

Jagielka himself has been linked with a move away from Goodison Park this summer, as Everton close in on Burnley centre-back Michael Keane.