Everton boss Roberto Martinez has denied the existence of a verbal agreement giving young stars Romelo Lukaku -- or any player -- permission to leave the club this summer.
Lukaku has been a standout in Everton's campaign thus far, scoring 12 goals in his last 12 matches.
Lukaku's agent Mino Raiola indicated last year there was an understanding between his client and the Everton manager that the Belgian international would be allowed to transfer if a strong offer came to the club. Speaking about the claim, Martinez promised that was something he would never do.
"That is not true, I would never do that," Martinez said. "I think that would be very negative. If you do that could you imagine the last two months for that player? He would never put a leg in or never challenge for the ball.
"I don't agree with doing that. I know you can do that to keep a player for another 12 months but if you're not going to have a player 12 months down the line you need to start replacing him to have a stronger team."
Everton currently sit 11th in the Premier League table, on 27 points.
They next face Dagenham & Redbridge in FA Cup third-round action on Saturday.