Moshiri defends Koeman’s comments

Farhad Moshiri has moved to defend Ronald Koeman following widespread bemusement towards Koeman’s alleged comments suggesting Lukaku should leave Everton.

Dutch neslaper HLN claim Koeman told them: “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.

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

Farhad Moshiri has used talkSPORT to play the “lost in translation/context” card.

“It has been taken out of context.” Moshiri told talkSPORT host Jim White.

“Ronald Koeman said he believes Romelu will develop into one of the best strikers in the world in the next two to three years and wouldn’t be out of place at his old club, Barcelona.

“It is just player-coach talk.”

It’s not the first time Farhad Moshiri has moved quickly to spare some blushes. After trying but failing to sign Sissoko, Moshiri moved quickly to try and downplay the snub.

Moshiri: “Sissoko is a great player. But when I bought into Everton, I made it clear I was proud to join a family. And we don’t turn our backs on our own. Keeping James McCarthy was a priority and ultimately we could not proceed with a deal that would jeopardise his place at Everton. We wish Sissoko the best.”