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Everton boss Ronald Koeman chasing productive players as he plots transfer business

Ronald Koeman talks with Romelu Lukaku ahead of the Premier League match against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park
Image: Ronald Koeman is looking to add firepower to his squad, which often relied on Romelu Lukaku's goals

Ronald Koeman will prioritise a player with "more productivity" to make Everton into a stronger side next season.

Everton finished seventh in the Premier League to secure Europa League football in 2017-18 but they struggled for goals away from home and often relied on Romelu Lukaku for an attacking threat.

Lukaku's 26 goals were 20 ahead of their next highest scorer, Ross Barkley, and the England international could be a high-profile exit from Goodison Park this summer.

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Support for Lukaku is now at the top of Koeman's summer shopping list and he could also seek a replacement for Barkley, whose contract expires at the end of next season.

"A clear objective will be to bring in players who will have more productivity," he told evertontv.

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"I expect that we can change that for next season.

"If we can do the business we want to do this summer, the team for next season will be really strong, I believe."

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Koeman says a post-season holiday will not stop him making early moves in the transfer market, something he would expect across the managerial world.

Ross Barkley of Everton shows appreciation to the fans as he is subbed off against Watford
Image: Ross Barkley shows appreciation to the Everton fans as he is subbed off against Watford

He added: "On one side I will take a holiday and relax but, on the other side, as a manager it is totally different than as a football player because everyone knows we would like to do some good business.

"I have that experience as a manager - I can deal with it, having a good holiday but also having thoughts of next season.

"I will have my mobile phone close to me so if there is anything we need to discuss or I need to get a flight, I am available."

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