Everton remain resolute in their stance that Richarlison is not for sale as they plan to build the team around the Brazilian under new manager Carlo Ancelotti.
Reports of an €100m (£85m) bid from Barcelona were swiftly knocked down by the club this evening but the ECHO understands the Blues are preparing for interest in the 22-year-old to intensify.
Richarlison, who joined Everton in the summer of 2018 for an initial £35m, has become the star man in the ranks at Goodison having scored more goals than anyone else at the club since the start of last season.
The Brazil international was handed a new five-year-deal in December to reward his progress since signing from Watford and his importance to the team.
And Everton have no interest in cashing in on last season's joint-top scorer who is expected to be fit to face his former club at Vicarage Road on Saturday.
Barcelona are believed to have made their interest in the forward known but the Blues are dismissing reports of a formal bid coming from the Nou Camp.
And the ECHO understands that it would take an offer way in excess of the £85m figure reported tonight to even give Everton pause for thought if official bids materialise in the future from any interested party.
