Roberto Martinez has insisted that Everton have not yet finalised a deal to bring Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku back to Goodison Park.
The Belgium international has been linked with a permanent move to the Toffees after he spent last season on loan at the club.
However, the manager told the club's website: "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.
"We need a number nine going into the start of the season and we will make sure we sign one. Rom created incredible memories we'll never forget and enjoyed his time at Everton, 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. We will carry on working hard to assemble the strongest squad possible."
Lukaku scored 15 goals in 31 Premier League appearances for Everton last season.
Sian Cowper
