It is believed Ronald Koeman wanted to replace Luis Suarez with Inter Milan striker Romelu Lukaku this summer, but the Barcelona board blocked the move from happening.
Lukaku played a key role in Koeman's season-long reign at Everton in 2016/17, scoring 27 goals and assisting seven times, but the Dutch manager still lost his job at Goodison Park after just 16 months at the helm.
Despite his lack of success in the Premier League, the new Barcelona boss wanted to bring his former player to the Camp Nou as a Suarez alternative, although he wasn't successful in his bid.
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Barcelona's board of directors initially considered Koeman's proposal, according to Mundo Deportivo, before discarding the idea because of their current financial situation.
They claim the Catalan side have been 'hit hard' by the lack of income caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
In the past, Lukaku has praised Koeman for getting the best out of his ability during his time at Everton, while admitting he was "not always an easy guy" to work with.
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"I'm very happy," the former Everton forward said back in 2017. "I want to thank the manager for pushing me, even though sometimes I'm not always an easy guy. He's taken me to the next level.
"As a young guy I just try to learn every day and give my best. Sometimes there are ups and downs but it's always with the best intentions."
Koeman's appointment at Barcelona has been met with a mixed response.
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Former Everton player Gerard Deulofeu was scathing in his assessment of the move.
"I can tell you about Koeman from my personal experience," Deulofeu told Cataluna Radio.
"He provided me absolutely nothing. I wasn't happy, I asked to leave and I went to Milan [on loan]. We'll see how he does at the Camp Nou."
Thoughts on Koeman going in for Lukaku as a replacement for Luis Suarez?
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Let us know in the comments.
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Football News, Football, Barcelona, Transfers, Romelu Lukaku, Ronald Koeman, Inter Milan