Carlo Ancelotti has made it clear to potential suitors Southampton that Everton are ‘not thinking’ about allowing Tom Davies to leave this summer as he told the Liverpool Echo.
On Saturday, Davies came on at the death as Everton recorded a scrappy 2-1 win against in-form Crystal Palace to maintain their own 100% start.
The arrival of Everton’s new midfield trio – Abdoulaye Doucoure, Allan and James Rodriguez, has resulted in Davies’ game time reducing.
TalkSport claimed that Southampton were in advanced talks to take Davies on a season-long loan for this campaign.
But Ancelotti stated that the club have ‘confidence’ in their academy product and brushed off any thought of the aggressive-minded midfielder going out even on a temporary basis.
“No, we didn’t think about this,” said Ancelotti. “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 (League Cup match) 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.”
Everton’s opening fixtures of the 2020/21 season
- Tottenham (A)
September 12
- West Brom (H)
September 19
- Crystal Palace (A)
September 26
- Brighton (H)
October 3
- Liverpool (H)
October 17
- Southampton (A)
October 26
Davies has stagnated during these past few seasons despite breaking onto the scene with a fine goal against Manchester City.
It was a day for the youngsters during that clash against Pep Guardiola’s men three years ago because Davies wasn’t the only one who announced himself, a certain Ademola Lookman also put his name on the scoresheet.
Lookman has since left Goodison, and whilst Davies’ form has taken a hit, Everton fans may want to, at the very least, keep hold of the 22-year-old and hope that Ancelotti can get the best out of him.
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