Romelu Lukaku dragged a dagger into Everton fans’ hearts as the Belgian striker decided not to accept the record-breaking contract offer at the Goodison.

The Belgian’s refusal to commit to a new deal led to questions over his future, which were enhanced with Lukaku questioning the club’s ambition this week.

The 23-year-old striker is keen to take his game to a higher level and join a Champions league club in order to realise his full potential and the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United have already been linked with the Toffees star.

In the meantime, Everton have started to prepare for life without Lukaku as rumours spread over possible replacement in the attack.

Everton have earlier been linked with Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney, who could come back to Goodison in the summer, but Celtic’s Moiussa Dembele and Lyon’s Alexandre Lacazette are being included in the mix as well.

The Toffees are hoping to earn up to £70 million on Lukaku sale and are planning to reinvest the sum into bringing a player of similar quality.

Moussa Dembele has been impressing throughout the season in Scotland and is being followed by the host of big clubs around Europe, while the same can be said for Lyon forward Alexandre Lacazzette, who has long been linked with a move to the Premier League.

The French international has announced his desire to leave and Everton are prepared to join Liverpool and Arsenal in the race for his signature.

Everton play host to Hull City on Saturday afternoon in the Premier League and the Belgium international can be found at 1.85 (17/20) @WilliamHill to score anytime for the hosts.