Everton will try again for Vadis Odjidja-Ofoe in January.
The Sun says boss David Moyes tried to land the Bruges ace, 23, in August. But FIFA refused to ratify the deal, claiming paperwork was submitted late.
Moyes now hopes to sign £5million-rated Odjidja-Ofoe in January - his third Belgian buy after Marouane Fellaini and Kevin Mirallas.