Everton boss David Moyes was forced to end his pursuit of Valencia midfielder Ever Banega yesterday.
The Daily Mail says Moyes became increasingly frustrated as Valencia stalled over the deal and continued to select their 21-year old anchor man for La Liga matches.
According to sources in Spain, Valencia were taken aback at hearing that Everton had secured a work permit and became more reluctant to release Banega after struggling to recruit any replacements.