The England Under-21 international will remain at Goodison Park for the season, with the Everton manager insisting he’s going nowhere
Everton manager Marco Silva has confirmed attacker Ademola Lookman will stay at the club despite repeated interest from RB Leipzig.
The England Under-21 international spent the second half of last season on loan with the Red Bulls, scoring five times in 11 Bundesliga appearances to leave Leipzig wanting more.
However, Leipzig were not willing to match Everton’s asking fee of €30 million (£27m/$35m) for the 20-year-old, meaning that he will remain at Goodison Park for the 2018-19 campaign.
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Toffees boss Silva claims that Lookman is in his plans for the season, despite appearing on the bench just once in Everton’s first three Premier League games.
“I don’t like to talk every day about him,” Silva told reporters. “I have already told you my thoughts about him and his skills as a player. Our decision is already made.
“Of course. He stays in our plans. He has to work to take his position in our squad.
“He is fit and training with the team tomorrow and this morning.”
Silva also indicated that new signing Bernard will also have to wait to make his debut and will not feature in Saturday’s Premier League clash with Huddersfield.
“No, not for tomorrow’s game,” Silva replied when asked if the Brazilian would feature.
“He has a small muscle problem. He will start work with the team next week. The break will be good for him.
“Some players didn’t do all of pre-season and this is important, Bernard is one of these.
“It is not easy for him to follow the intensity of the training sessions and the games as well.”