Everton are eyeing Palermo striker Ilija Nestorovski as a potential replacement for striker Romelu Lukaku, according to 90min.

What's the word?

Lukaku's future is expected to be a talking point when the transfer window reopens in the summer, particularly if Everton fail to clinch a spot in Europe this season.

Ronald Koeman's side currently sit eight points adrift of the top five, and Lukaku has previously claimed that he has ambitions of playing Champions League football.

The Belgian international was linked with moves to Germany and Chelsea last summer, but stayed put at Goodison Park and has gone on to score 17 goals in 26 appearances in all competitions.

90min reports that Everton sent scouts to watch Nestorovski play for Palermo in their 4-1 defeat to Juventus last week, and it is believed that Koeman is considering the forward as a potential signing if Lukaku leaves.

With Palermo sitting in the relegation zone in Serie A, it has been reported that Nestorovski is likely to leave unless the club avoid the drop.

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Is he the right man to replace Lukaku?

Well, this season Nestorovski has not hit the goalscoring heights that Lukaku has.

In 25 appearances, three of which as a substitute, he has found the back of the net nine times in Serie A.

He would have big boots to fill and high expectations if he were to move to Goodison Park given the importance of Lukaku at the club.

The Macedonian has never before played in England, so it could take him time to get used to the Premier League.

There is an argument that Everton should aim for a high-calibre player if Lukaku does leave because it would boost their stature and is likely to attract other stars to the club.

The Toffees tend to be on the cusp of challenging the top clubs, but they fall short, so bringing in a big talent would be crucial if they lose their best player.

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