Kenwright: We want Barry and Lukaku to stay

The Everton chairman has revealed his plans to keep the two at the club on a permanent basis

Everton chairman Bill Kenwright has revealed that the club are trying to keep Romelu Lukaku and Gareth Barry at Goodison Park. The two players spent last season on loan at the Toffees from Chelsea and Manchester City respectively.

The Blues are still to decide on the future of striker Lukaku, who bagged 16 goals for Everton last season as he finished as the club's top scorer, while Barry is now a free agent after being released by City at the end of the season. Kenwright said about the two:

"Lukaku we would love to keep. Gareth Barry we would love to keep and that is ongoing work and we obviously have to add to the squad, so it is non-stop. Romelu was a great ddition to Everton. I have to tell you, off the pitch as well as on, he is an extraordinary boy. We would love to have him back and people at Chelsea are good friends of mine so we are hopeful.

"Gareth Barry had a great season for us and I know the manager has spoken to him and I will meet with his people and we are hopeful that he will be there next season."