Everton boss David Moyes has told rivals Liverpool that they have no chance of taking Leighton Baines across Stanley Park this summer.
The £10million full-back has been linked with the likes of Manchester City and Bayern Munich following his emergence as one of the best players in his role in Europe.
Liverpool, who have signed Nick Barmby and Abel Xavier from Everton this Millennium, have also been linked with Baines as they bid to fill a problem position at left-back.
But ahead of Saturday's game at the 26-year-old England international's former club, Wigan, Moyes has warned Liverpool that he has no plans to sell one of his star assets.
The Everton boss said in the Liverpool Echo: "I can't see it. It's not for me that one and I think Liverpool know that as well.
"Nobody will leave the club unless I give it the go-ahead and that won't change.
"We have signed Leighton on a five-year deal. I don't want to sell him and Everton don't sell cheap.
"The chairman looks after the players and gives them what he can. So Leighton's not for sale - and they know that as well."
