Martinez hoping to keep ´happy´ Lukaku

Roberto Martinez has suggested Everton could keep hold of Romelu Lukaku due to the striker’s enjoyment of life at Goodison Park.

The Belgian forward is on loan at Everton from Chelsea and has thrived under Martinez, scoring 14 goals in 27 appearances across all competitions.

It remains to be seen where Lukaku will ply his trade next season, but Everton’s manager feels his club may have an advantage over other suitors should Chelsea be open to a sale.

“If we can extend his stay then fantastic. If not, we will have great memories,” Martinez told reporters.

“I think there is something we can give that he can’t get elsewhere, it’s enjoying his football.

“In football, as a player, you can take football happiness for granted quickly. As a young man, to be important in a football club and being happy is vital.

“Nobody can guarantee you that unless you’ve experienced it, or know who you are going to work with.

“I know players in the past who have moved clubs because they want to win titles and they leave a club and then the club they left win the title.

“He wants to be presented with a challenge that he can enjoy and he can develop, and that’s top and bottom as a player.

“He’s a grounded and intelligent young man, who is not going to be swayed by the materialistic aspect of the game or something that has got no substance.”