Silva’s message to Davies: You’re the future of Everton

MARCO SILVA has assured Tom Davies he has a big future at Everton and insisted the England Under 21 midfielder will not leave on loan next month. Davies made a bright start to the season and was appointed captain by Silva for Everton’s game against Arsenal in September, but he has not played in the Premier League since coming off in the 2-1 win at Leicester on October 6. He was an unused substitute against Watford last Monday. The FA are concerned that Davies, who will be a key player at Euro 2019, is not getting enough football. His situation has prompted West Ham and Celtic to make enquiries about his availability and Lee Congerton, Celtic’s director of football, was especially keen to take him to Glasgow. Silva, though, has made it clear there are no doubts about the quality of Davies (right) and there is a chance — given that Idrissa Gana Gueye is struggling with a fitness issue — that the 20-year-old will see some action in today’s game at Manchester City. When asked if he would allow Davies to move in the new year, Silva replied: ‘No way. Impossible. No way. Tom is part of our squad. He is an important player for me and an important player for us as a club. He is the present and the future of our club. ‘I know Tom has not played the last few games but that is not his fault. It is because the players in his position are playing very well. ‘When I changed to start with Andre (Gomes) for the first time against Crystal Palace, Tom’s performances were improving. He did very well in the game before at Leicester but I took the decision to change — not because of Tom’s performance but because of how I expected Crystal Palace to play, and they did play that way. Tom is working hard and is ready to play, if that is what I decide.’ Another player Silva expects to stay is club captain Phil Jagielka. The 36-year-old has made only two appearances this season and is out of contract at the end of the year, but Silva said: ‘It is not something in my mind for next month (to let him go). It is not on my mind to even think about it.’ And Gomes, signed from Barcelona on a season-long deal in August, has been in fine form for Everton. Asked if talk of other clubs being interested in Gomes affected Everton’s situation, Silva said: ‘Nothing, zero. Why would it affect us?’