Romelu Lukaku has told Everton he will not sign a new contract, throwing the striker's future at Goodison Park into doubt.
The 23-year-old has overtaken Duncan Ferguson to become the Toffees' leading Premier League goalscorer and sits at the top of this season's chart alongside Harry Kane.
Here, we answer the key questions about the saga.
Is this a surprise?
Yes and no. Lukaku's agent Mino Raiola has been making encouraging noises about a new deal and last week said it was "99.99999999" per cent done. Lukaku therefore appears to have made a U-turn, but the Belgian has not made any secret of his desire to play Champions League football so the warning signs were there.
Will he definitely leave this summer?
No. Lukaku is tied to a contract at Goodison Park until the summer of 2019 so Everton could play hardball if they are unable to change the striker's mind. If they are prepared to let him leave, then securing a big transfer fee will be the priority. One of the sticking points is believed to be Everton's desire for a £90million release clause - which would mean any buyer would have to pay a world record fee - while Lukaku's camp want it to be £70million.
Who would be interested?
The more pertinent question is, who wouldn't? Lukaku has established himself as one of the most reliable goalscorers in the Premier League, albeit not at one of the very top clubs, and is only 23. He has already been linked with a return to former club Chelsea, although it is tough to see him displacing Diego Costa, while both Manchester clubs are sure to be keeping an eye on the situation. If he wants to venture abroad, then Paris St Germain would have the cash while Spain could also be a possible destination.
Source: PA
