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Everton manager Ronald Koeman has backed Romelu Lukaku to play for Barcelona - insisting he won't have fulfilled his potential if he sees out his career on Merseyside.

The Belgian looked set to leave Goodison Park in the summer but Everton's hefty price tag was met as the striker stayed put following Koeman's arrival.

Lukaku has enjoyed an excellent start to the season, scoring seven times in 10 Premier League appearances.

And while the Everton boss hopes his star man will stick around, he admits long-term Lukaku should be aiming for bigger and better things.

"Lukaku has the potential to become an amazing striker. He is still only 23 years old and is only getting better," Koeman told HLN.

(Image: Everton FC via Getty) (Image: Action Images via Reuters)

"Everton should normally not be the end for him. Romelu will not have made the most of his career if he plays for Everton for the remainder of his career.

"He has the potential to play for a bigger club than Everton.

"But nobody knows what will happen after this season. We have a good relationship. I gave him confidence and he has himself recognised that it was good for his development to play another year at Everton.

(Image: Sunderland AFC via Getty)

Koeman went on to liken the 23-year-old to Barcelona legend Patrick Kluivert, who achieved great things at the Nou Camp.

"I think his finishing is very good. He keeps his calm and is one of the best I have ever seen - both as a player and as a coach - when it comes to making that final decision in front of goal.

(Image: Getty)

"His attacking movement is great. I think he can still contribute more defensively.

"I think he can emulate Patrick Kluivert, who also rose to prominence at a young age and enjoyed a fantastic career.

"He eventually played for Barcelona and I can see Lukaku doing the same."