Romelu Lukaku has questioned whether Everton have the ambition and resources to elevate themselves to the top tier of European football.

Lukaku plunged his future into doubt when he this week told the Goodison board he does not want to sign a new contract. He has now offered an insight into why he does not want to commit beyond his current deal in 2018.

The Belgian striker is desperate to play in the Champions League and win major honours. Although he recognises significant investment since the arrival of major shareholder Farhad Moshiri, he is craving more.

“Obviously stuff is changing and stuff is happening, but there were some players that we could have got, that I knew the club could have got, and they didn’t get,” said Lukaku. “And they are playing in this league. I am not saying names, but they are doing well.