Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed Everton are hoping to make Robin Olsen’s stay permanent.
The Sweden international moved to Goodison Park on the final day of the summer transfer window back in October on a season-long loan from Roma.
Olsen’s role as understudy to first-choice goalkeeper Jordan Pickford has seen his outings for the Blues restricted to just three in all competitions to date.
However Ancelotti revealed ahead of the New Year’s Day visit of West Ham that discussions will take place with the 30-year-old over a longer term stay.
He said: “I think we are pleased to have him here.
“He is a goalkeeper with experience so I think we are going to talk with him and his agent to find a solution for him to be here permanently.
“It can be for January or in June.
“The games that he played he did well. He was comfortable, he was calm, he was quiet. I think he gives good support to Jordan also.”
Although the Everton manager is keen to secure Olsen beyond this season, he discounted the prospect of further reinforcements in the January market.
“To be in the top four will not depend on the transfer window,” insisted Ancelotti.
“To be in the top four depends on the quality we are able to show in the second part of the season and that means also to try to avoid the injury that we had in the first part.
“We had out important players – Digne, Allan, Richarlison. If we are able to recover well, these players the squad is good enough to be in European position. We have a good squad for this.
“To be in the top four will be more difficult and also to have a fantastic transfer window in January will be difficult because there are top teams, really strong, and in this moment we are pleased to be there.
“But this doesn’t mean we are at the same level as these top teams.”
Ancelotti has also agreed to allow any Everton players seeking a future away from the club to leave amid reported interest from West Brom in Cenk Tosun.
Sam Allardyce is said to be plotting a reunion with the Turkish striker, who was his final signing in the Goodison hot seat during the 2017/18 season.
“We didn’t have any request from people who want to leave in January,” said Ancelotti.
“If there are players who would like to leave then they are going to talk to me. If one player doesn’t want to stay, I agree he has to leave.”