Robert Martinez has insisted Everton will sign a new striker before the start of the season – with Troy Deeney thought to be among their targets.

The Toffees are keen on bringing former loanee Romelu Lukaku back to Goodison Park after the Chelsea striker enjoyed a successful season on Merseyside, but the Everton boss claims reports that a fresh deal for the Belgian international is close are not accurate.

“There have been a lot of reports, some even saying I’ve told people [a deal for Lukaku] is done, but the situation is very clear,” Martinez told Everton’s website.

“We need a number nine going into the start of the season and we will make sure we sign one.”

Martinez said Lukaku, who scored 15 goals in 31 Premier League appearances last season, had “created incredible memories” at the club, “but that doesn’t mean anything between now and the end of the window”.

“Everything is in the air and you can imagine there are options on the table,” the Toffees boss added, without naming any player other than Lukaku.

Everton are among a number of clubs believed to be interested in Watford’s current Player of the Season, with Leicester City, Burnley and Swansea City tabling official bids along with another Championship and Premier League club.