Ronald Koeman was unveiled as the new Everton manager on Friday with an assurance to supporters that will try to persuade the club’s best young players to stay.

The 53-year-old Dutchman confirmed at a press conference that he turned down the chance of a new contract with Southampton to join the Merseyside club on a three-year-deal as successor to Roberto Martinez.

But Koeman will face an immediate struggle to stem a predicted talent drain with the club’s England defender John Stones already tipped for a move to Barcelona or Manchester City.

“I like to help everybody and sometimes you have something more, he plays where I played,” said Koeman. “There will be good support for the boy. I would like to talk to him personally, ask what his feeling is and make conclusions.”

Romelu Lukaku is also believed to be considering his options after he returns from Euro 2016 and Koeman said he will also seek an early meeting with the Belgian striker about his club future.

“Lukaku is a key player, a goalscorer, you don’t want to lose your best players,” he said. “If I can do something about that, I will.”

Koeman has been joined at the club by his brother Erwin and Jan Kluitenberg.