Everton have pulled out of a deal to sign striker Manolo Gabbiadini from Serie A side Napoli.
The Toffees have been chasing Gabbiadini and had reached an agreement with Napoli based on a fee of €23m plus a further €2m in bonus payments.
But the deal has been delayed as Napoli wanted to bring in a replacement for Gabbiadini before selling him to Ronald Koeman's men, Genoa's Leonardo Pavoletti and Manchester City's Wilfried Bony having been identified as targets.
However, Everton have now told Napoli they do not intend to sign Gabbiadini, according to Sky Italia.
The development may fuel speculation that Everton have identified an alternative striking target in the remaining hours of the window.
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Had the Toffees continued to wait for Gabbiadini, they could have faced a tense wait to close the deal on deadline day tomorrow.
Gabbiadini could yet move elsewhere before the window closes as he has been unsure on the amount of playing time he will receive if he remains with the Southern Italian club.
