Everton are pushing hard to sign Orla Mangala from Lyon, but so many moving parts remain that the Toffees are confused.
Kevin Thelwell, usually such a sharp operator, has unfortunately been embroiled in an ugly transfer saga that threatens to spill over on deadline day.
It is a place where no team would want to operate, but it is absolutely necessary in these trying times.
Fortunately, Fabrizio Romano emerged, sparking a record-breaking upset after news suggested his move to Merseyside had fallen through.
Fabrizio Romano reports on the future of Orel Mangala
Looking at X, just hours after it was announced that Mangala had chosen Fiorentina over Everton, prominent journalist Romano weighed in to completely refute the claim.
The Italian is a big fish when it comes to renegade journalists, which is why his words are so often evangelical.
In this particular case, his recent update will be music to Evertonians’ ears, following initial concerns that the Belgium international had chosen Italy over Merseyside.
Romano writes: ‘Please understand that Everton have today booked travel and medicals for Orel Mangala. He is due to travel to Merseyside this afternoon as a loan player from OL.
Exclusive detail: NO call option included, direct #EFC loan if all goes to plan.”
It appears that Mangala will indeed join Sean Dyche’s Everton, despite alternative reports.
Everton’s focus must be on the outfield
Having seemingly secured that much-needed extra midfielder, the focus must now turn to wide should Romano prove himself right on this occasion.
Ultimately, for all the quality cola boasts across the board, this remains their only weakness.
Especially when it comes to raw speed, with neither Jack Harrison nor Dwight McNeil boasting the blistering pace required to be a real threat to Premier League full-backs.
The man to ensure that is Everton target Ernesto Nuamah, who has been linked with a £25million move.
He fits in with some of their other targets from last summer, including Jaden Philogene and Wilfried Gnont.
With Mangala hopefully secured and a winger coming in, this could turn out to be one of Everton’s best windows in recent memory.