Ronald Koeman insists that Everton have never planned to offload James McCarthy.
McCarthy was the subject of a failed £16 million approach last month after struggling to hold down a regular midfield place at the beginning of this season.
The Republic of Ireland international was previously embroiled in a club versus country row after being called up for World Cup qualifiers in November while injured.
But McCarthy has recaptured his former glories in recent weeks and doubled the Blues’ advantage in their 6-3 rout over Bournemouth last weekend.
And Koeman has refuted suggestions that the 26-year-old was set to leave Goodison Park at any point since he was unveiled as Roberto Martinez’s successor.
He said: “That speculation is [just] speculation.
“From the beginning, he is an Everton player and I did not change my mind.
“The situation is not different than it was [before]. He was never on the list to leave Everton.”
“He had a difficult time and he’s working to get that fitness that you need to play on a high level in the Premier League,” added Koeman.
“He showed when his fitness was really good that he is an important player.
“Most of the time, he started the game and that’s the best what you can show as a manager ot the player – when he starts.”