Everton have sent a firm message to Chelsea that they are not interested in selling midfielder Idrissa Gueye this summer, according to Bleacher Report.
The sports site claim that Antonio Conte’s side have looking into the possibility of signing the Senegal international as the manager looks to improve his squad depth ahead of next season’s Champions League campaign.
However, Bleacher Report state that Everton will not entertain any moves for the 27-year-old ace, who was signed by Ronald Koeman last summer from Aston Villa.
Chelsea are said to be keen on Gueye as they see the midfielder as similar to PFA player of the year N’Golo Kante, who inspired Conte’s side to Premier League victory this season.
Arsenal and Manchester United are also said to have shown interest in the Toffees midfielder, but Koeman will instead look to secure Gueye’s future at Goodison Park with a new and improved contract.
Chelsea’s priority is Monaco midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko, but the west London outfit have also identified Gueye as a potential target as there is plenty of competition to sign Bakayoko.
Gueye has impressed in the middle of the park for the Toffees this season, making 35 appearances in all competitions and finding the back of the net once against Sunderland in a 2-0 win in February.
The former Lille midfielder has a contract with Everton for another years until the summer of 2020 and it remains to be seen how much Chelsea would have to pay to secure the services of the combative midfielder.