Everton's deadline-day pursuit of Folarin Balogun has fallen apart at the last moment, according to EPL Index, dealing a blow to David Moyes and the club's recruitment staff.
The report indicates the striker had a change of heart late in proceedings, scuppering what looked like a done deal for the Toffees as the transfer window closed. Details on why Balogun pulled back remain unclear, but his U-turn leaves Everton without the attacking reinforcement they had been banking on.
With the window now shut, Moyes will have to work with his existing squad options until the next transfer opportunity arises, whether that's in January or next summer. For a club that has often found itself short of firepower in recent seasons, missing out on Balogun at the eleventh hour will sting.
Further specifics on the collapsed deal are yet to emerge, but EPL Index's report suggests this was a live, advanced negotiation that simply broke down as Balogun reconsidered his options.