West Ham United boss Sam Allardyce admits they face missing out on AS Monaco striker Lacina Traore.
Everton have now joined the battle for the Ivorian.
When asked after Saturday's defeat to Newcastle if Traore would be signing, he said: "It's unlikely by the sounds of it.
"We're finding it extremely difficult (to bring players in).
"We had a terrible day yesterday (Friday) when I thought a player was signing for us and then I found out he wasn't, but there you go.
"[Any other club] can apply for a work permit like we did.
"They would have to do a separate application."
