Marco Silva has admitted there is always a chance that Andre Gomes and Kurt Zouma could sign for Everton before the summer.
The Blues confirmed both loan stars late in the transfer window prior to the 2018/19 campaign kicking off - and both have been in brilliant form in recent weeks.
Barcelona man Gomes has recovered from a dip over winter to get back to dominating the Everton midfield, while the French international has been one of the club's most consistent stars this season in central defence.
And, when asked about their permanent futures in his pre-Fulham press conference, the manager admitted that permanent deals - which the Blues are known to be interested in - could potentially happen before this summer.
However, the boss knows it's not just up to Everton.
"There's always a chance," Silva admitted.
"But like I said, it's something that's not just in our hands.
"They are happy here, which is a good sign. That means they are performing, they are enjoying it and they are helping the team also.
"We are happy with them, this is the truth. It's up to us to do what we can to try to keep them.
"It's up to the clubs also, it's not just in our hands. It's in the player's minds also and they have to decide together with their own clubs. In the right moment we will do something."
Zouma in particular has recently spoken about how happy he is at getting regular game time at Everton .
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And Silva is already challenging the young defender to improve even further.
The manager added: "Yes I'm really happy with him.
"I had some conversations with him first before we signed him and after during the season.
Catch up on every word of Marco Silva's press conference HERE
"He has the qualities to be a very, very good central defender - but has all the conditions to improve too.
"Last season was really difficult for him. When we signed him, it wasn't because of what he did last season, it was because of the qualities we can see from him as a football player.
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"He's happy in our club, he's performing well and he's challenging with the other central defenders in our squad. It's a big fight for them and Zouma is proving his quality, like the others.
"I'm happy with him, but I'm the first one demanding him to keep improving because he has the quality to do that."
