Reports had emerged on Thursday that Everton have missed out on Douglas Luiz, as the Brazilian midfielder is moving to Nottingham Forest rather than Merseyside.
This news comes after a hugely disappointing and deflating performance at Leeds United on Monday evening, as the Toffees fell to a controversial but deserved 1-0 defeat.
Monday's loss at Elland Road exposed again many of the frailties that have plagued Everton teams for so long now, it is almost impossible to remember a time when this was not the case.
Losing the entire left side of his defence with the injuries to Jarrad Branthwaite and Vitalii Mykolenko put David Moyes in a challenging position. And while his team selection that night could be questioned, it is not an easy situation to resolve with such a small squad.
With Branthwaite in particular likely to be out possibly until October, Moyes may now have to consider adding another left-sided defender to his transfer shopping list.
That shopping list is still a long one, with Everton needing a right winger desperately and also a right-back, another central midfielder, and maybe even ideally, a striker too.
Tyler Dibling still appears to be the first choice right-sided attacker, although Southampton is digging its heels in over his price tag, and the Toffees could be facing competition from other Premier League clubs now.
It puts the Blues in a bind, as they could wait it out and hope no one else meets the Saints' price and they capitulate before the window shuts, or risk missing out on a winger altogether.
I think Everton need to move on from this saga and look at alternative options, but of course, time and available players are running out.
Adding a right-back has perhaps been made more urgent by Branthwaite's absence, as Moyes might now need Jake O'Brien, who covered the position well enough last season, back in the middle.
However, while that may be the case, I think that if there is not enough time to get both done, another central midfield player is the more crucial deal.
O'Brien could operate in a back three, something that, while not ideal, could be a short-term option. Alternatively, James Garner might be pressed into action at right-back, again until Branthwaite returns.
Everton need another defensive midfielder to support Idrissa Gueye, as that will free up Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall to augment the attack and strengthen the defence overall by providing more cover in front of a currently makeshift backline.
Tottenham's Yves Bissouma has been previously linked with the Blues and is potentially available, as he does not seem to be in Thomas Frank's plans. He could also cost as little as £10-15 million.
Given all the struggles and disappointments the Toffees have faced this summer trying to sign higher-profile talent, such a transfer appears to be a realistic option.