Everton manager Roberto Martinez has told fans he is confident of bringing Romelu Lukaku back to the club -- although Wolfsburg are also keen on the Chelsea striker.
- O'Farrell: Besic could shine for Everton
- Howard close to decision on U.S. future
The Belgium international scored 15 goals in 31 Premier League appearances as he spent last season on loan at Goodison Park from Chelsea.
Martinez, who is also keen to bring Monaco forward Lacina Traore back to Everton following a loan spell last season, has made no secret of the fact that he wants to re-sign Lukaku.
In a YouTube video captured for a fans' website during the club's preseason trip to Thailand -- where they face Leicester in a friendly on Sunday -- the manager gave fans hope that a deal could be completed.
Asked by a supporter if the Everton would be signing the 21-year-old, Martinez said: "Of course we'll get him."
That comment has come after Everton head of recruitment Ian Atkins suggested that Lukaku wanted to return to Goodison.
Atkins told talkSPORT: "Romelu had a terrific season for Everton last year and I know everyone at the football club wants to see him back.
"Hopefully things can be sorted out, I think he's quite settled in his mind that he wants to come to Everton, and hopefully he'll be pulling on our blue shirt again next term.
"Our loan signings all did brilliant for us last season. Gareth Barry has signed permanently now which is fantastic, and hopefully Lukaku will as well."
Everton midfielder Leon Osman had earlier spoken of his hope that Lukaku would be signed in time for his testimonial against Porto next Sunday.
A deal for the striker would give the Toffees a further lift following the arrival from Hunagrian club Ferencvaros of Bosnia midfielder Muhamed Besic, who has joined the squad in Thailand and whose signing is set to be confirmed officially by the club when they return to England this coming week.
Osman told the Liverpool Echo: "We try not to listen to rumours. But sometimes you can't help but hear the rumours about who the manager wants to bring in to the club.
"There are rumours about Romelu and we've just signed Besic -- and there are rumours that there are a couple more coming in.
"It would be good if they could play in my testimonial. Yes, it would be good to have him back. We know the quality he's got. There might be a bit more to do with that but I'm sure it's close and he could play in the game."
There had been speculation on Saturday that Wolfsburg had tied up a deal to sign Lukaku for 28 million euros.
However, the Bundesliga club's sporting director, Klaus Allofs, told Bild am Sonntag that his club had not made such a bid, although he added: "He is a good player, and it is well known that we're trying to strengthen our attack."
Real Madrid and Juventus have also been credited with an interest in Lukaku.