The Everton supporters here in the Transfer Tavern have been drowning their sorrows this week after news emerged that their star talisman Romelu Lukaku has no interest in penning a new contract with the club.

It must represent a real kick in the teeth for Everton boss Ronald Koeman who has got the Toffees edging towards the Premier League’s big hitters and this latest news must come as an almighty shock.

A few of the Toffees’ faithful have been slating their Belgian striker this week, with one in particular of the belief that he should be sold if he is unwilling to commit to Koeman’s long-term project.

This weekend sees Everton take on struggling Hull City and the Liverpool-based club will be looking to ramp up the pressure on the sides currently occupying the top six places.

Writer Lee Clarke looks at two players who could find themselves axed when Ronald Koeman names his team this weekend.

Romelu Lukaku

Given that he is Everton’s best striker it would represent a real risk to leave him on the sidelines this week, but it will all depend just how annoyed the Dutch boss is with his star striker.

One Toffees supporters has the big Belgian on the back of his shirt and as he chucks some money in the fruit machine he states that Lukaku would have no right to complain if his name is not on the team sheet this weekend.

Gareth Barry

The veteran midfielder has played a lot of football this season and a game against weaker opposition could be great timing for a well-earned rest for Barry.

One Everton fan is tucking into one of the landlord’s belly busting breakfast butties and he thinks that Barry has been superb this season, although he concedes that with tough games on the horizon he could well do with a rest this weekend.