Farhad Moshiri has allegedly said Everton ended their interest in signing Moussa Sissoko as ‘keeping James McCarthy was a priority’.
Sissoko became the subject of a late £30 million tussle between the Blues and Tottenham on transfer deadline day before the midfielder opted to join the Londoners.
But Sky Sports presenter Jim White published what he claims to be quotes from Everton’s majority backer Moshiri about their pursuit of the France international.
“Sissoko is a great player. But when I bought into Everton, I made it clear I was proud to join a family. And we don’t turn our backs on our own,” a statement attributed to Moshiri said.
“Keeping James McCarthy was a priority and ultimately we could not proceed with a deal what would jeopardise his place at Everton. We wish Sissoko the best.”
McCarthy had intimated to Ronald Koeman that he wished to leave Goodison Park but failed to secure a move away before last night’s 11pm deadline.
A groin injury saw the Republic of Ireland midfielder sidelined amid interest from Celtic and Crystal Palace but his current club resisted all approaches.
Everton are yet to comment on the legitimacy of Moshiri’s alleged statement.