Everton legend Peter Reid has claimed he was ignored regarding a surprise transfer move.
The veteran former manager states that he recommended Chelsea and England star Reece James to the Toffees.
Before James broke through at first team level at Chelsea, Reid believed that he should be signed, as he had impressed during a loan spell at Wigan.
Reid stated at a William Hill event: "I'm reliably informed (former sporting director Marcel) Brands went and watched him and said he's not good enough for Everton, but I disagreed.
"The kid was gold."
He added on the club's summer signings: "Ashley Young is 38 but he's a safe bet. He can go in and do a job for us."
Reid added that he was less familiar with Youssef Chermiti and Arnaut Danjuma.