Ajax attacker Mohammed Kudus has admitted his "disappointment" after a move to Everton was blocked last summer.
The 22-year-old has claimed he was "close" to signing for then-manager Frank Lampard but has revealed that he saw his move from Ajax blocked when Manchester United splashed out on attacker Antony.
"The fact that Ajax blocked a transfer to Everton last summer disappointed me. I thought it was time for a new chapter in my career, because I didn't play here," said Kudus in an interview with De Telegraaf.
"But the moment the transfer market closed, my full focus was back on Ajax. The only reason I wanted to leave before that was my reserve role."
He added: "I eliminated that reason [reserve role] myself. Everton are not doing well in the Premier League, Ajax are in the title race and under John Heitinga I am a permanent fixture.
"I have a strong faith in God and he has made the positive decision for me not to let the transfer go through.
"I am very happy at Ajax at the moment, but I will be even happier if we win the double. But why wouldn't I want to renew? I play and develop well. Now it's about negotiation and valuation. When the time is right, we'll see how it goes. But that will have to be conducted with my agent. I want to focus entirely on the title race."