Everton manager Ronaldo Koeman has said that he wishes Romelu Lukaku well as the striker finalises his move to Manchester United.
United announced on Saturday that they had agreed a fee with the Toffees for the 24-year-old - believed to be a British transfer record of £75m - with a deal on personal terms still being worked out.
Lukaku had outlined his desire to leave Everton towards the end of last season, claiming that he wanted a new club that matched his desire to "win trophies".
Asked about Lukaku's departure at a press conference this afternoon, Koeman told reporters: "We know it was one of the challenges for Lukaku. We knew that and okay, he took the right decision and let's hope everything goes well for him. I like him, I like the player, but it's now about Everton."
Everton have spent an estimated £100m on new players so far this summer, including Wayne Rooney, Michael Keane, Jordan Pickford and Davy Klaassen, and Koeman insisted that it demonstrates that the club has the ambition to challenge for silverware.
"Everybody knows that it was one really big reason [for me] to sign one year ago for Everton, it was all about this project," he added. "I think the club is showing that ambition. That's really great and it's exciting times for Everton football club. Now it's up to the players to show that we are strong and to fight for it."
Lukaku was the Toffees' top scorer last season, hitting 25 of their 62 goals in the Premier League.
Neil Wilkes
