€5m figure may have put off Everton – Friedkins not going to commit to that

Sean Lunt of Sport Witness reports that Mauro Icardi's reported €5m financial demands likely deterred Everton from pursuing a free transfer. The 33-year-old Argentine striker remains a free agent following his departure from Galatasaray in the summer. According to reports from TyC Sports, Valencia ended their pursuit after discovering Icardi requested €5m, while Real Betis and manager Manuel Pellegrini are also exploring a potential deal.

Lunt argues that Everton's ownership, the Friedkins, would not commit to such figures after pulling back spending late in the transfer window. Everton currently have limited striker options alongside Thierno Barry after missing out on Folarin Balogun on deadline day, but the writer contends committing a hefty salary to a veteran forward goes against the club's cautious financial approach.