It feels like the Tyler Dibling Saga has been raging on for several months now, although it was only in late July that Everton logged its first bid for the Southampton teenager.
But now Everton appear to be facing opposition for the player, with both Crystal Palace and Spurs entering the race for Dibling's signature. Palace, of course, is looking to replace a soon-to-be-departed Eberechi Eze, who is reportedly on the way to Arsenal.
And this was always the issue with trying to squeeze Southampton for Dibling, as it allowed the Saints time to let other clubs get into the conversation and drive the price closer to what they wanted. Not to mention the fact that Everton's performance on Monday away to Leeds makes the Toffees look pretty desperate for new players, another piece of information that Southampton can use as leverage.
So while Everton is expected to get back into the conversation with Southampton, they are no longer just bidding against themselves or what Dibling's current team wants for him -- with other clubs in the mix, who knows where the number could go.
Again, this is the problem with the game that Everton have played throughout this summer transfer window.
Sure, you don't want to see the club just throwing money around without thought, but there also needs to be a sense of urgency and understanding about how much a player might be worth. Attempting to save a few million pounds rather than just getting the player in the building so he can help the club immediately is part of why Everton have had such poor starts to seasons lately.
At this point, Everton just need to do what it takes to get Tyler Dibling over the line and into an Everton shirt. The squad clearly needs the player, and as quickly as possible. Further nibbling around the edges to save a few bucks isn't the answer.