Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti has shown real desire in finding competition for Jordan Pickford by pursuing three keepers on deadline day.
England number one Pickford has struggled with some high profile mistakes this season, the latest a howler against Brighton at the weekend.
And that appears to have been the final straw for his manager, with Ancelotti sanctioning a move late in the window for a new keeper to provide serious rivalry for Pickford.
Eventually, the Blues settled on Sweden international keeper Robin Olsen, and talks with the player's club Roma over a loan deal are ongoing.
But that came only after Everton had pursued deals with both Manchester United for Sergio Romero, and Tottenham, as they tried to thrash out an agreement for Paulo Gazzaniga.
The Merseyside outfit wanted either keeper on a loan deal, but came up against resistance from the two Premier League clubs, who now see Everton as a direct rival for a top four place.
United would only listen to a serious offer to buy Romero, even though he is now very firmly third choice at Old Trafford, and has only a year left on his contract.
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And that prompted his wife Eliana Guercio to launch a stinging outburst against the United board on Instagram, when she demanded the 33 year old be treated with respect.
“Sergio Romero worked hard for his club. Last trophy they won, they lifted it with him,” she wrote on social media.
“He helped the team reach 4 finals/semi finals and then he was left on the bench only to lose them all. It is time for them to return the opportunity and let him go. RESPECT FOR ONCE!!!!”
But with United playing hardball over a fee, the Goodison club looked elsewhere, as Ancelotti identified Sweden number one Olsen as a candidate to to put pressure on Pickford.
The 30 year old, capped 38 times by Sweden, faced England in the World Cup quarter final in 2016, and was bought by Roma to replace Alisson when they sold the Brazilian to Liverpool.
But after a less than impressive spell he was sent out on loan to Cagliari last season. Everton though, saw him as a viable alternative to Romero, and tried to finalise a deal before the deadline, as talks with Manchester United seemed to stall.
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