Ishak Belfodil’s move to Everton still remains on course despite an attempted hold-up by unauthorised representatives of the striker.
The Blues had hoped to complete the Algeria international’s signing on Friday after £10.5 million deal was accepted by Standard Liege earlier this week.
But reports in Belgium claim that the transfer has been delayed by a bid from intermediaries trying to involve themselves in Belfodil’s proposed move to Merseyside.
According to DH, Standard still expect the transfer to go ahead and, accordingly, the player was left out of the club’s 5-3 friendly win over with FC Vaduz.
Everton also remain confident of Belfodil becoming Ronald Koeman’s third signing of the January transfer window and expect a deal to be done by the weekend.