Marco Silva has said a loan exit for Tom Davies in January is impossible and that Everton’s club captain, Phil Jagielka, remains in his plans for the remainder of the season.
Davies has been consigned to the bench since André Gomes established himself in Everton’s midfield, though he could feature at Manchester City on Saturday with Idrissa Gueye an injury doubt. Silva has assured the England Under-21 international that recent selections are not a reflection of his form and flatly rejected the possibility of the 20-year-old going on loan for more regular football.
“No way. Impossible. No way,” the Everton manager said. “Tom is part of our squad. He is an important player for me and an important player for us as a club. He is the present and the future of our club.
“I know Tom is not playing the last few games but that is not his fault. It is because the players in that position are playing very well. When I changed to start with André for the first time against Crystal Palace Tom’s performances were improving. He did very well in the game before at Leicester but I took the decision to change not because of Tom’s performance but because of how I expected Crystal Palace to play, and they did play that way. Tom is working hard and is ready to play if that is what I decide.”
Jagielka’s prospects are less encouraging, however. The long-serving captain has made only two appearances this season, losing his place through suspension and then a knee injury, and is out of contract next summer. Several clubs are interested in the 36-year-old as a January signing but Silva said: “We need him for sure.
“Even if Phil Jagielka is not playing like he did last season or as he has done normally in his life at Everton he is important for us and an important player for this club. It is not something in my mind for next month [to let him go]. Let’s see what will happen but it is not on my mind to even think about it.”
