Tony Cottee is of the opinion that his former club, Everton should pay whatever it takes to keep Romelu Lukaku.
Cottee thinks replacing the in-form goalscorer would be very difficult, whatever transfer fee might be received, but that a Champions League finish is achievable if Lukaku stays at Goodison Park.
He said: “The Lukaku situation is frustrating. If you’re an Everton fan, you want it to be sorted out.
“You don’t want to be reading that your top striker is 99 per cent certain of signing a contract and then, all of a sudden, he is not going to sign.
“I think only that man himself, Lukaku, knows the answer to it.
“The one thing you can’t deny is he is still only 23 years of age, he has been in outstanding form this season, and he is one of the top strikers in Europe.
“Some people would say, if he doesn’t want to be there, you cash in and you get the money.
“But, you try replacing him. Get your £50m, £60m, and try finding a striker that is going to fit that criteria.
“If it is about money, give him whatever he wants. Even if it is £250,000 a week.
“If you keep that player and he scores the goals that get you in the Champions League, it is an absolute bargain.”
