Everton thought they had got their man yesterday after apparently taking the lead in the race to sign Moussa Sissoko from Newcastle.
But those plans and hopes were scuppered in the last hour as Tottenham matched the Blues bid and agreed a five-year deal with the player.
However, Everton owner Farhad Moshiri has issued a statement on the failed Deadline Day move.
Sissoko is a great player. But when I bought into Everton, I made it clear I was proud to join a family. And we don’t turn our backs on our own.
Keeping James McCarthy was a priority and ultimately we could not proceed with a deal that would jeopardise his place at Everton.
We wish Sissoko the best
Evertons deadline day wasn’t a complete failure though, completing the loan signing of Enner Valencia from West Ham United.