Everton’s bid to sign Thomas Delaney has been ended after Werder Bremen rejected an £8 million offer.
The midfielder joined the Bundesliga side from FC Copenhagen earlier this month in a £1.3 million switch but the Blues had hoped to tempt him away.
Ronald Koeman was prepared to offer a significant mark-up on Delaney’s original price tag with the Liverpool Echo claiming that an increase on their initial £5.5m fee was tabled.
However Koeman’s attempt to land the Denmark international have been dashed after Bremen firmly rebuffed the approach from Goodison Park officials.
Delaney also made his senior debut for his new club during last weekend’s defeat to Borussia Dortmund, which killed any hopes of reviving Everton’s interest.
FIFA rules prevent a player from representing three clubs in an entire season.