Ronald Koeman puts Manchester United and Chelsea on alert by telling Romelu Lukaku to leave Everton

Chelsea were trying to re-sign the striker during the summer

Koeman believes Lukaku is like Partrick Kluivert and should play for Barcelona (Getty)

Romelu Lukaku will not fulfil his potential if he spends his career at Everton, according to Toffees boss Ronald Koeman.

The Belgium international was continuously linked with a move away during the summer, with Manchester United, Bayern Munich and former club Chelsea, whom left to join Everton in a £28m deal, all potential suitors.

However, nothing transpired for the player who has scored 35 Premier League goals in 82 games and he remained at Goodison Park to lead the line for Koeman’s side.

But despite the 23-year-old scoring seven league goals already this season, Koeman has told Lukaku to leave the club, insisting he is too good for the club.

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

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

"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.

Lukaku has scored seven goals in 11 league games this season (Getty)

"He has the potential to play for a bigger club than Everton, but nobody knows what will happen after this season."

Chelsea were the club most actively tracking Lukaku, with manager Antonio Conte admitting while he was trying to bring the striker to Stamford Bridge, he has no regrets over the move not materialising.

He said before the game with Everton last weekend: "Lukaku for sure is a very good player. He is young and improving a lot, but I am very satisfied with my players.”