According to reports on talkSPORT, Everton majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri has told supporters that striker Romelu Lukaku’s decision to reject a new contract won’t be a problem.

What’s the story, then?

Well, as we all know by now, the Belgian striker told the club on Tuesday that he wouldn’t be signing the new five-year deal that would have made him the highest-paid player in the club’s history, as he wants to play Champions League football.

Lukaku is currently leading the way in the Premier League goalscoring charts with 19 goals – where he lies level with Tottenham striker Harry Kane – but even though he wants to play in Europe’s elite competition, an exit this summer is far from certain.

What’s Moshiri said?

Speaking to talkSPORT, he moved to reassure supporters: “It’s not an issue.

“The club is confident with the strong relationship it has with the player and the agent.

“He has two-and-a-half years left on his contract and the new, improved contract is recognition of what he’s done for the club.

“No-one should worry, he is our player.”

Can the fans believe him?

They should, but it is the first big test he has faced since becoming a majority shareholder at Goodison Park.

As Moshiri points out, Lukaku’s contract doesn’t expire until the summer of 2019 and if they really wanted to, they could make the Belgian honour that even if he didn’t want to commit his long-term future to the Toffees.

Of course, the club also doesn’t need the money right now and could afford to demand a huge fee for the 23-year-old, who has consistently proven that he is able to score plenty of goals in the Premier League.

Could the talks be rekindled?

With no Champions League football on offer, it will be a difficult task but Moshiri seems to hint that he is hopeful.

Realistically, the best Everton could hope for is that they convince Lukaku to stay for one more season, and hope that they can finish in the top four next term.