Carlo Ancelotti has appeared to rule out allowing Tom Davies to leave on loan after Southampton were credited with interest in the Everton midfielder.
Davies has started only one of the opening four games of the season but Ancelotti praised the 22-year-old midfielder by saying he is "always ready".
Southampton are said to be interested in Davies and it has been reported that they discussed the possibility of including him in any deal to take Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg to Goodison, when the two clubs were in talks in July.
It is understood there has been no contact between the clubs, relating to Davies, since and Ancelotti says Everton are not currently entertaining the idea of letting Davies leave - even on loan.
"No, we didn't think about this," Ancelotti said.
"Tom Davies is a part of this squad, of this team. He didn't play a lot in the last game but he is always ready. He played 30 minutes in the past game and he did well.
"We have confidence [in him] and we are not thinking about letting him leave on loan because I think he is an important part of our squad."
Davies has not approached Ancelotti over his lack of game-time so and the Everton boss says the midfielder knows what he thinks about him.
"In general, I am not used to doing a lot of explaining to the players because I have to talk a lot, because a lot of players have to stay out," he said.
"But if he wants to talk to me about this position, it is quite clear.
"The fact that he didn't come to me, means he knows really well his position and how he is important for us."
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