Chelsea manager Frank Lampard has denied suggestions that Fikayo Tomori is closing in on a loan move to Everton.
With the prospect that the Blues could be going into their second successive season with just three senior centre-backs and Mason Holgate currently injured, Carlo Ancelotti is looking out for more defensive cover.
Injuries to Holgate and Yerry Mina in the final weeks of last season forced the Everton manager to blood 18-year-old Jarrad Branthwaite, a January signing from League Two Carlisle United, in four of their matches.
Reports earlier this week suggested that Tomori, who won his first England cap last November and has made 116 senior appearances in his career to date, was edging towards a potential season-long switch to Goodison Park.
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The 22-year-old is believed to be one of the possibilities that Everton are considering but Lampard insists that for now, he remains very much Chelsea’s player.
Paul Brown quotes the Chelsea manager as saying: “I’m not aware of those conversations getting to a point where I will be talking about them.
“He trained today and is in contention for Brighton.”
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