Everton are maintaining contact with Thierry Small.
The Liverpool Echo reports Everton say they remain in contact with Small throughout his unsanctioned absence from training.
Small was due back for the beginning of Everton's pre-season schedule on Monday, July 5 but has yet to return to the club following the end of last season.
The Blues have not given him permission to train away from the rest of the squad and a contract stand-off is at the heart of the problem.
Everton have offered the electric left-back a first professional deal but an agreement can't reached and his decision to miss the opening weeks of training has thrown his future into serious doubt.