On the pitch, it’s been plain sailing for Everton over the past couple of weeks. Since the narrow 3-2 loss to Tottenham earlier this month, The Toffees have enjoyed convincing wins over West Brom and Hull City respectively.

However, off the pitch, proceedings have become quite dramatic, centring on talisman Romelu Lukaku.

After months of Everton reporting that the Belgian was close to signing a new deal, the striker announced that this was not the case and that he was seeking pastures new.

Lukaku has tried to keep things amicable at Goodison Park, making an effort to applaud the crowd and show his commitment to the club last weekend against Hull.

However, fans are now coming to terms with the fact that the current Premier League top goalscorer is likely to not be around next year.

With his talents and incredible potential, the Belgian will not leave for a small fee.

Everton will certainly need to invest in a replacement striker, but who could fill such big boots?

Shoot!‘s Toby Bryant has drawn up a five-man shortlist… 

Moussa Dembele

Dembele, 20, is at a very similar point in his career right now as Lukaku when he first arrived at Goodison.

The Celtic man is strong, lightning quick and a demon in the box. There are areas to improve, but at such a tender age, there is time for that.

Dembele has all the hallmarks of being ‘the next Lukaku’ and with 32 goals in an incredible debut season in Scottish football is already on his way.

A price tag of over £40m is a big sum and Celtic will know Everton are desperate for a striker.

However, with the money harvested from Lukaku and Dembele’s years of potential in the bag, that is a bargain in the modern game.

Alexandre Lacazette

Lyon front man Lacazette has been the subject of swirling transfer rumours for the past couple of seasons.

The striker has been heavily linked with Arsenal, but the £40m-£50m price tag has so far put off the miserly Arsene Wenger.

However, at 25-years-old and with 29 goals in 35 appearances so far this season, the Frenchman is in his prime.

Again, Everton may need to shell out, but the powerful Lacazette seems to be as good an option as any.

Wayne Rooney

The rumours connecting Everton and scouse-born Wayne Rooney are refusing to die down.

In fact, with the news about Lukaku’s future, they are getting ever more intense. The Mirror has reported that Ronald Koeman is interested, Manchester United are willing to cut the transfer fee and Rooney may even be willing to take a pay cut to return to Everton.

A Toffees side with an ageing Rooney up front would have a very different dynamic to the powerful Lukaku, but a proven and experienced striker of Rooney’s calibre could be the perfect replacement.

Bertrand Traore

Another youngster who could be making his way to Goodison Park is Traore.

The 21-year-old is one of the many young stars that Chelsea have on the books and has been there since his arrival from Auxerre in 2010.

Traore made his Premier League debut in December 2015, but has not managed to cement a starting role in the English top-flight, with the likes of Diego Costa in the side.

The tall and quick striker is currently on loan at Ajax where he has netted six times in 19 appearances.

Traore would take some nurturing but, with time, could become a fine forward.

Giovanni Simeone

Recognise that surname? Giovanni Simeone is the son of charismatic Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone.

Simeone Jr. has been leading the line for Genoa this term and has 11 goals in 27 appearances.

At 21-years-old, Simeone is another up and coming talent but, coming from the continent, would be a risky signing.

So many young players have made the move to England and become forgotten. However, Ronald Koeman has proved to have a good eye for transfers so if he deems Simeone is enough of a class act then, most likely, he will be!