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Report: Lukaku close to becoming best paid player in Everton's history

Carl Recine / Reuters

Twenty-three-year-old striker Romelu Lukaku is set to become the highest paid player in Everton's history, according to the Liverpool Echo's Greg O'Keeffe.

The Belgian hitman will see his weekly income increase by £25,000 to £100,000, in a contract which O'Keeffe believes will see his asking price lift to around £80 million should a European giant make an approach for Lukaku next summer.

Everton's majority investor Farhad Moshiri was apparently spotted with Lukaku's agent Mino Raiola at Monday's 1-0 derby defeat to visiting Liverpool.

The former Anderlecht prospect initially moved to Merseyside on loan from Chelsea for the 2013-14 season, but Everton then stumped up £28 million to make Lukaku's switch permanent the following summer after a 15-goal haul in that campaign. Over the following two seasons he bagged 28 goals in 68 starts, and has nine in 15 matches so far this term.

Not only would tying down Lukaku ensure Everton holds one of the most exciting youngsters in Europe under a stronger agreement, but would also safeguard the club a little more should he again express a want to leave Goodison Park.

"I have to continue to play well and have a good European Championship so that more clubs are interested in me," he said ahead of Belgium's Euro 2016 campaign.

"But I'm still under contract with Everton. We'll see what happens."

Manager Ronald Koeman ensured Lukaku stayed put after Belgium's quarter-final finish, however, seeming to sacrifice John Stones leaving for Manchester City instead.

Everton travels to reigning Premier League champion Leicester City on Boxing Day, before making its way to Hull City for a meeting on Dec. 30.

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