OPINION
Everton need to ensure that youngster Tom Davies remains at Goodison Park for the foreseeable future despite the fact that Premier League rivals Chelsea are lining up a move.
The Sun claim that Chelsea manager Antonio Conte is eyeing a summer swoop for the 19-year-old following his impressive breakout season.
It is understood that it will be hard to tempt the midfielder away from his boyhood club and that he should stay with the Merseyside Blues.
Everton must be emphatic in their response to Chelsea’s interest and realise that Davies has unbelievable potential to fulfil.
The Englishman managed to become a regular feature in the Toffees starting line-up last season and became an important player in the centre of the park.
However, Ronald Koeman’s side have been extremely busy in the summer transfer market and the position of Davies has come under threat.
He now faces a tough battle to earn a starting XI slot as he competes for a central midfield position alongside teammates Morgan Schneiderlin, Davy Klaassen, Idrissa Gueye and Gareth Barry.
Davies is good enough to nail down a starting spot if he plays at his best and the teenager should only improve each week.
Everton’s involvement in domestic and European competitions should also work in his favour, with Koeman likely to rotate his squad on a regular basis.
Chelsea’s interest in rising star Davies is no coincidence and he was one of the best young players in the Premier League last season.
The versatile midfielder has a brilliant work-rate and technical ability and is another glowing example of the club’s academy success.
He now has 27 senior appearances under his belt and is good enough to continue make a real difference in the first-team going forward in Koeman’s side.