Andy Townsend wants Everton to keep hold of Romelu Lukaku, even if it means losing him for free in two years' time.

It has emerged recently that Lukaku has refused to sign a new deal with Everton and with only two years remaining on his current deal at Goodison Park, the Toffees may be forced into selling the 23-year-old this summer in order to receive a decent sum from his transfer.

However, pundit Townsend believes that Everton need to play hardball with Lukaku and make him see out his contract at the club, even if it potentially means losing their extremely valuable striker for nothing when his deal expires in 2019.

Of the Chelsea and Manchester United target, Townsend said on BBC Radio 5 Live: "He's got two years left and the club can, with wealthy owners we are lead to believe, turn round to the player and say 'we can't dictate what you do in two years time, but what we can do is dictate to you now'.

"As opposed to caving in and saying 'we've got to flog him because he'll leave in two years time'. This is the situation they find themselves in now, there is a bit of poker to be played."

"He's done exactly the right thing Lukaku with regards to how he performed at the weekend. As long as he plays to that level, I wouldn't worry about it if I was Ronald Koeman. He hasn't got to panic immediately but the club have got a decision to make. If you want to be a big club, you can't be dictated to by any individual.

"Everton want to be a big club, a proper club and they may have to swallow in two years time, but what they can do is say 'listen Rom, you're not going anywhere. If you walk out of the door for nothing we will shake your hand and say goodbye but in the meantime we want 25 goals a season out of you'. You can do that."