Everton reportedly saw a late bid for Espanyol left-back Aaron Martin fail in the January transfer window.
Finding a new left-back had been a priority throughout last month after Leighton Baines’s injury forced Cuco Martina to play in the position for several months.
However, the Blues were unable to find a man to fill the role with Sam Allardyce later admitting that they couldn’t find a player of sufficient quality.
It seems there was one man they were keen on, though, and that is Espanyol full-back Martin.
According to Catalan newspaper L’Esportiu, the Blues offered €20 million for the 20-year-old, around £17 million.
However, a meeting between President Chen Yansheng, sports director Oscar Perarnau, vice president Adolf Rousaud and manager Quique Sanchez Flores ended up with the decision not to sell the player.
Flores was happy to sell but the club reportedly believes they can get €30 million, a price Everton didn’t go, instead electing to show faith in Martina.