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Everton fear their hopes of signing Romelu Lukaku and Gareth Barry on a permanent basis could both be scuppered.

Striker Lukaku has been advised to keep his options open until after the World Cup – where he is likely to lead the line for Belgium, after Christian Benteke was ruled out this week through injury.

And former England midfield man Barry is weighing up the option of a megabucks move to the United States with Manchester City’s New York franchise – who will compete in Major League Soccer from next year.

Everton know they can only hope to meet Chelsea’s £25million valuation on Lukaku if they qualify for Europe’s elite competition.

Tottenham are also interested in Lukaku and are believed to be willing to pay £25m.

Everton could sign Barry, 33, on a free when his current City deal expires at the end of the season. But he may go for a £100,000-a-week salary as a marquee player at New York City FC.