Lukaku signs for Everton

Kevin Mirallas has revealed he refused to leave Romelu Lukaku's hotel room until his Belgium team-mate had agreed to join Everton on a season-long loan.

The two forwards reported together for international duty on Monday, ahead of Friday's World Cup qualifier against Scotland at Hampden Park, with Lukaku signing off on a switch to Goodison Park from Chelsea shortly before the transfer deadline, despite competition from West Brom.

Lukaku scored 17 goals in 20 starts while on loan at Albion last season, and had looked set for a return to The Hawthorns.

But Everton chairman Bill Kenwright put in the work to bring Lukaku to Everton - with a little help from Mirallas.

Mirallas said: "I was with Romelu in his room at the team hotel on Monday night, and I only left when I was sure he was joining us.

"I was surprised to learn we were in for him, because there had been no inkling, but once I got word, I really went to work.

"I just tried to convince him that Everton was the right step to take and he would love it at Goodison, and I'm really pleased he took it on board.

"With Fernando Torres, Demba Ba and Samuel Eto'o all jostling for places up front at Chelsea, and Romelu likely to be on the bench, it made sense to go out on loan again. It made even more sense to choose Everton, and I'm delighted he has."

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