Everton manager Ronald Koeman admits Phil Jagielka and Gerard Deuloefu could be allowed to leave the club during this transfer window. Everton manager Ronald Koeman admits Phil Jagielka and Gerard Deuloefu could be allowed to leave the club during this transfer window.

Ronald Koeman admits Everton captain Phil Jagielka is unhappy at not being selected but refused to confirm he will leave the club during the January transfer window.

The England international is in his 10th season at Goodison Park but has found opportunities limited this term, with Ashley Williams and Ramiro Funes Mori preferred in the centre of defence.

Sunderland have been linked with a move for Jagielka, a transfer that would see him reunited with former Everton boss David Moyes.

Asked if Jagielka might leave, Koeman said: "I don't know, it's all about if there is interest for Jag.

"Of course the last few weeks he did not start. He is important, he is the captain of the team.

Everton defender Phil Jagielka could be on his way out of the club

"He is not happy because he is not starting and that's a good signal. What you need to do as a player is fight and make it difficult for the manager."

Meanwhile, Gerard Deulofeu could also be on is way out, despite the Toffees being unable to agree a loan move with AC Milan, with the terms of any deal proving to be a sticking point.

The Spaniard has started only four Premier League games this season, two of which were in August, and has not been in the squad for Everton's last three league matches.

Gerard Deulofeu has been linked with a loan move to AC Milan

The emergence of 18-year-old Tom Davies and the signing of fellow teenager Ademola Lookman, both of whom starred in the 4-0 win over Manchester City last weekend, has pushed Deulofeu further down the pecking order.

"I spoke to Gerry and it's a difficult situation for the player," added Koeman ahead of Saturday's game at Crystal Palace.

"If he finds a solution to go and to play and to get game-time then it's not a problem but the final decision is by the board of the club and I did not have any call from the chairman that they agree something for Deulofeu.

The emergence of Tom Davies (C) and signing of Ademola Lookman (R) have pushed Deulofeu further down the pecking order

"It's always tough because you're not really part of the team, you don't get a lot of game minutes, but that's the competition we have in the team.

"You have to always look for first what's the best for the club and second what is the best for the player, and for Gerry the best is that he gets game-time somewhere."