Everton were reportedly prepared to make a major financial commitment in their efforts to sign Bayer Leverkusen forward Christian Kofane during the summer transfer window.
The Toffees were repeatedly linked with the highly rated 20-year-old throughout the window, which came to a close last Tuesday.
It proved to be a largely frustrating transfer period for Everton, with their disappointing business made even worse by the chaos that unfolded on deadline day.
Kofane had emerged as one of the players under consideration as Everton searched for a new striker, with reports suggesting that an approach was made for the Cameroon international in August.
However, despite their interest, Everton are not believed to have submitted an official bid for the Leverkusen forward.
Fresh information has now emerged from Germany shedding more light on why a potential move to Goodison Park ultimately failed to materialise.
What’s now been said on Everton move for Christian Kofane?
Although the transfer window closed more than a week ago, the consequences of Everton’s summer business are likely to remain a major talking point for some time.
The dramatic collapse of their move for Folarin Balogun is understandably expected to dominate much of the discussion.
However, there are also growing questions over why Everton failed to secure any of the other attacking options they had been linked with during the summer.
Kofane was one such player, and the young striker is widely regarded as one of the most exciting emerging talents in European football.
According to Bild’s print edition on Tuesday, Everton made an approach to Bayer Leverkusen, while Aston Villa and Newcastle United also expressed interest in signing him.
The German publication claims that all three Premier League clubs were prepared to pay around £43million for the youngster, who is described as being on a “meteoric rise”.
However, Kofane himself was reportedly reluctant to leave Leverkusen so soon after joining the Bundesliga club only a year ago.
Bayer Leverkusen have plan in place for Kofane
Everton were not the only major club monitoring Kofane’s situation, with Arsenal also reportedly making enquiries about his availability and potential asking price.
Bild claims Leverkusen currently value the forward at closer to £86million and are planning to offer him a new contract.
Such a deal would only strengthen Leverkusen’s position and potentially push Kofane’s valuation even higher.
With negotiations over an extension said to be progressing, the youngster could soon be tied down at the BayArena for the long term.
That development would make any future pursuit increasingly difficult for Everton, who may now find that one of their summer striker targets has moved firmly beyond their financial reach.