Everton fear that hopes of signing Denzel Dumfries may be scuppered by Inter Milan.
The Blues were exploring the possibility of signing the right-back on loan but Italian giants Inter are considered favourites to land the 25-year-old on a permanent deal.
Inter are believed to be ready to meet Dumfries' £15m valuation and the Holland international is said to be keen on a move to the San Siro, where he would replace Achraf Hakimi who joined Paris Saint Germain for £60m earlier in the summer.
Should Dumfries choose Inter then it would leave Everton needing to go back to the drawing board in order to fill a priority position.
New manager Rafa Benitez still hopes to make three or four signings before the transfer window shuts at the end of the month and a move for Newcastle United midfielder Sean Longstaff is under consideration.
The 23-year-old has entered the final year of his contract at St James' Park and is being discussed by the Blues as a potential target.
Longstaff was handed his senior debut at Newcastle by Benitez, who has retained his admiration for the midfielder.
Winger Dwight McNeil remains a player on Everton's wanted-list while Benitez would, ideally, like to add experienced back-up to Dominic Calvert-Lewin before the close of the window.
