Everton are running out of time to make any final moves before the 7pm GMT deadline passes.
The transfer window has been open for more than a month, but Everton still have not finished their business heading into the last few hours.
David Moyes expects at least one new face to come in before the deadline alongside Tyrique George, who is set to arrive on loan.
Moyes has made it clear he wants another striker, and Ivan Toney’s name has been floated around in recent weeks.
Links to Toney have emerged during the winter window, with his future up in the air.
Now, the 29-year-old striker has just broken the silence about those rumours.
What Ivan Toney has said as Everton’s interest grows
Al-Ahli have been consistent in their stance that Toney would not be leaving this winter, despite ongoing speculation about his future.
It was always going to be a tough deal to pull off, given the financial ties he has in Saudi Arabia.
Toney, speaking to The Mirror, has stated his desire to stay in Saudi Arabia as he aims for a place in England’s World Cup squad.
He said: “I feel like I’m doing well right now and that continuing to score goals [here in Saudi] will give me a stronger chance to get to what could be my only World Cup.”
Beto has attracted interest from European sides ahead of Monday evening’s deadline, but Moyes would not have let the 28-year-old leave without a direct replacement lined up.
Despite Beto’s recent equaliser against Brighton, many Everton fans would have seen Toney as an upgrade if he had arrived.
Why Everton’s striker search looks like one for the summer window
There is not much time left, and it is hard to see where a deal might come from at this stage. Most clubs do not want to lose key players just as the window is closing.
Ricardo Pepi was already set for Fulham earlier in the day before PSV Eindhoven decided against it, unable to bring in another forward themselves.
That likely pushes Everton’s search into the summer, when there will be more options available and time to negotiate properly.
The Toffees have already shown interest in Troy Parrott among others, and he could be a name worth watching once things open up again.
However, if Parrott features at the World Cup and impresses, his value could rise by then as well. That may not work in Everton’s favour.
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