The agent of Everton attacker Bernard says the Brazilian could look for a move away from the club in January.
And the declaration comes after he claimed the Blues blocked a deadline day move for the 28-year-old to AS Roma.
But the ECHO has learnt that Everton, in fact, received no official enquiry from the Italians on deadline day, despite the initial belief they had discussed Bernard as part of the talks to bring goalkeeper Robin Olsen to Goodison.
Bernard has been reminded of his value to the squad and that Carlo Ancelotti wants him to remain part of his options this season.
The ECHO was told that if Bernard received an offer of regular first-team football then his transfer would be considered by the club.
But it has now come to the light that Roma did not bring up Bernard's name - and the potential for a move - loan or permanent - as part of Monday's talks over Olsen.
Catch up with the latest transfer fallout with the Royal Blue podcast HERE
Bernard's agent, Adriano Spodato, has been quoted as telling LaRoma24 - and as cited by Sport Witness: "We tried to convince Everton to let him go, but the English club did not agree. Not even on loan.”
Spodato, when asked about a move to Roma in January, is quoted as saying: “I think so, the player could be sold outright for around €7m.”
*Sign up for our FREE daily Everton newsletter here.
