Everton manager Ronald Koeman has not yet given up on keeping the club’s star striker Romelu Lukaku, praising the striker as a “really good professional” who he wants to see stay at the club for at least another season.

Lukaku shocked Everton when he rejected the club’s offer of a lucrative new contract and reiterated his desire to play in the Champions League – a competition Everton last featured in back in 2005.

Koeman told Lukaku to “respect your contract” shortly after the player’s decision became public, and has again claimed he has little interest in selling the 23-year-old.

Where next for Romelu Lukaku? Show all 6 1 /6 Where next for Romelu Lukaku? Where next for Romelu Lukaku? where-next-for-romelu-lukaku.jpg Lukaku stunned Everton when he rejected the offer of a contract extension after a training session, but where will he go now? Getty Where next for Romelu Lukaku? chelsea.jpg Chelsea are in need of another world-class striker, especially given Diego Costa's volatile nature. Lukaku is a self-confessed fan of the club and idolizes Didier Drogba, but would he return to the club which failed to give him a chance? Getty Where next for Romelu Lukaku? manchester-united-1.jpg A move to United perhaps makes the most logical sense. But any approach from United hinges on their summer pursuit of Antoine Griezmann, while Jose Mourinho has previously criticised Lukaku's "mentality and approach". Getty Images Where next for Romelu Lukaku? psg.jpg Following PSG's dismal capitulation in Barcelona, there is an appetite in the French capital to revolutionize the squad ahead of the new season. PSG have the cash to afford Lukaku, but it remains to be seen whether the Belgian would be happy moving to a less competitive league. AFP/Getty Where next for Romelu Lukaku? juventus.jpg The Italian champions are desperately trying to assert themselves on the European stage once again and crave a marquee signing this summer. But Juventus would only be able to afford Lukaku if they first cashed in on their talented young forward Paulo Dybala. Getty Where next for Romelu Lukaku? china.jpg Interest from teams in the Chinese Super League is guaranteed. But given Lukaku's determination to play in the Champions League, it is high unlikely he would follow the likes of Oscar and Hulk to the Super League. AFP/Getty

“Remember, he has two years left on his contract,” Koeman told the Mirror. “If it was up to me I would keep him for next season at least.”

The Dutchman has also praised Lukaku’s mentality and insisted that the forward, who is currently the Premier League’s top scorer, remains completely committed to the team.

“He is a really good professional,” Koeman added.

Koeman has been pleased with Lukaku's attitude (Getty)

“I know him well, he has shown his commitment every single day.

“I know he is really committed to the club and to the team. What will happen in the future, nobody knows.”

Koeman has not given up on keeping Lukaku (Getty)

Everton return to Premier League action with a Merseyside derby against Everton on Saturday, knowing that if they succeed an unlikely pursuit of a top-four finish might start to be taken seriously.

Spurred on by Lukaku's goals, Koeman's side have closed steadily on the battle for Champions and Europa League qualification and victory in Saturday's early kickoff at Anfield would, temporarily at least, lift them into fifth spot.

Defeat, on the other hand, would leave them isolated in seventh and struggling to catch the teams above them.

Koeman is however confident and believes his team are completely transformed from the side he inherited at the start of the season.

“We are really in a good direction,” he added.

"The team is stronger and we make good steps. There are a lot of reasons to be positive and I see the difference now compared to the mood from the beginning of the season and that’s what we like.”