Marco Silva insists Idrissa Gueye is happy to be an Everton player despite his failed move to Paris Saint-Germain.
The Ligue 1 club had an improved £26.1million bid turned down by their Premier League counterparts for their star midfielder on transfer deadline day.
Gueye reportedly handed in a transfer request in an attempt to push through a move to the French capital.
Everton boss Silva admitted the 29-year-old was likely to be “disappointed” but said the deal was never close.
“I know Idrissa very well, he is a good professional and a fantastic boy,” he said.
“He really likes our club, he is enjoying playing in our club.
“When a club like PSG comes in it is normal he starts to think about his future but now he has stopped, the market is closed and I don’t have doubts we will see the best Idrissa Gana again.
“You can use the word disappointed and of course it was a good opportunity for him, but it is a fantastic opportunity for him to stay with us also.”
Asked if the deal was ever close to happening, Silva added: “From the feedback I had with the board, they never told me the deal will be done or not, they didn’t tell me it was close, and they never told me we need to prepare to replace Gana.
“I think with this information you can take your conclusion.”