Sam Allardyce has dismissed claims Everton were interested in Patrice Evra.
Evra joined West Ham earlier this week on a free transfer, barely three months after his contract with Marseille was terminated for kicking out at a supporter.
The Blues failed to land a left-back in the January transfer window and were credited with an interest in the former Manchester United defender.
But Allardyce refuted suggestions that Evra was ever under consideration.
Asked whether his side had pursued a deal for the France international, the Everton manager said: “No, as we have Leighton Baines coming back very shortly.
“Leighton has similar experience to Patrice, although Patrice is a little bit older.
“I didn’t think that would be necessary at this stage of the season.
“We tried to sign a left-back throughout the whole of January but were unable to do so.”