Everton made a late move for Inter Milan signing Xherdan Shaqiri this week.
The Daily Mail says the Toffees attempted to bring the Switzerland winger to Goodison Park before he agreed to join Inter Milan.
The 23-year-old instead heads to the San Siro on loan before completing a £12m move at the end of the season.
Everton boss Roberto Martinez will now redouble his efforts to bring in reinforcements in a bid to save his side's season.