Thomas Vermaelen has confirmed Everton’s bid to sign him last summer.
Vermaelen emerged as a target for erstwhile Blues manager Ronald Koeman as he sought to draft in a new centre-back to bolster a struggling defence.
News of Ramiro Funes Mori’s prolonged absence prompted the Dutchman to turn to his former Ajax ally Vermaelen, now a peripheral figure at Barcelona.
The Belgium international previously batted away claims that he was on the verge of a move to Goodison Park that ultimately failed to come to fruition.
However Vermaelen finally confirmed on Sunday that Everton’s interest was only ended by the refusal of Barcelona’s hierarchy to sanction his sale.
“The board told me they needed four centre-backs. I didn’t have a choice but to stay,” he told DH newspaper.
“Clubs tried until the very last day, like Everton, but it was impossible. I wasn’t even able to negotiate.
“I’m not commenting anymore on my personal situation, the last time I did it, it turned against me.”