Report: Everton really didn’t want to let £22m player go, but they couldn’t say no

Everton were unable to reject Fuham’s proposal for Alex Iwobi last week.

According to The Athletic, the Toffees had previously made securing a new deal for the midfielder a top priority.

They concluded they couldn’t say no to Fulham’s £22 million offer after failing to reach an agreement with Iwobi.

Iwobi appeared set to return to action against Sheffield United at the weekend, but he instead secured a permanent switch to Craven Cottage the day before.

The Nigerian signed a five-year contract with Marco Silva’s side after the Toffees accepted an offer for his signature on transfer deadline day.

Iwobi’s exit stunned Everton, who were already short on squad depth and were now losing one of last season’s standout performances.