Everton saw a late transfer deadline day loan offer to sign Watford winger Ismaila Sarr turned down as the club continued its search for attacking reinforcements.
Sarr, who has come close to leaving the Hornets on more than one occasion in the past, was subject of a £2m loan bid from the Blues.
The deal would have included an obligation to sign the Senegalese for a fee of £30m, in the event of Everton avoiding relegation, but the Championship club stood firm over their star man by refusing a departure.
READ MORE: Inside story of Everton's shambolic transfer window as list of January failures emerges
That's according to the Athletic, who add a £4m appearance bonus would also have been part of the agreement to bring the Sarr to Goodison Park.
A separate report by the Independent claimed the Blues also turned their attention to Andre Ayew, formerly of Swansea City and West Ham United. The Ghanaian is currently a free agent after terminating his contract at Qatari club Al Sadd and was said to be in 'advanced talks' with Everton.
Interest in Ayew was first believed to be wide of the mark, though a latest article by the Times has suggested Sean Dyche will 'consider a move' for the 33-year-old due to the current lack of options at his disposal.
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