Ronald Koeman has opened the door for Arouna Kone’s potential Everton return.
Kone failed to secure a transfer deadline day move to Crystal Palace as a proposed short-term deal for the striker fell through at the eleventh hour.
To date the Ivory Coast international has made just six appearances for the Blues this season and will a free agent this summer when his current contract expires.
Koeman worked with Kone during his time as manager of PSV Eindhoven in the mid 2000s and hinted that he may still have a role to play for Everton this term.
He said: “Arouna’s role is difficult.
“He isn’t involved in a lot of games during this season and he had some physical issues.
“But I like the boy because I know him well. I worked with him in PSV in Holland.
“All the front players are really good in fitness. If we get injuries, then maybe we need Arouna and he needs to wait for his opportunity.
“That’s difficult at the moment but in football, things change very quickly around.
“I’m happy that he’s still is in because he’s a really experienced player and maybe we need Arouna [at some point].”
The Everton manager, however, admits that he is at a loss as to how the 34-year-old failed to secure a move away amid interest from several clubs.
“Everybody knows that there was some interest for Arouna but finally no deal,” added Koeman.
“I don’t know enough about that sityaiton why because what I heard from the board was that there was real interest from different clubs and, of course, Crystal Palace was one of them.
“But finally there was no deal and he is still an Everton player until the end of the season.”