Everton were left fuming with PSG after refusing to do business over Idrissa Gueye.

The Mirror says the Ligue 1 Champions are suspected of making several illegal approaches to the midfielder, and there is even a suggestion they reached an agreement with him over contract terms.

But despite Everton saying they would not even come to the phone to discuss any potential transfer unless the bidding got beyond £40m, it is understood the Paris outfit didn't bid beyond £25m.

PSG made an initial approach last week of around £21m, and eventually raised that to just beyond the £25m figure – which was nowhere near the level Everton believe is the going rate for a top class Premier League midfielder.

The Blues are angry because they believe Gana's head has been turned, with the player asking to leave in meetings with Director of Football Marcel Brands.

And there is a suspicion on Merseyside that PSG were never seriously interested, and merely playing games in trying to get the player on the cheap.