RB Leipzig midfielder Tom Krauss has decided against a move to Everton, preferring to remain in Germany with FSV Mainz 05.
The 21-year-old midfielder had been linked with a move to Goodison Park this summer, with a fee of around £5m reported last month.
Indeed, Krauss spent last season on loan at Schalke 04 and has fallen down the pecking order at his parent club RB Leipzig.
However, despite Everton showing an interest in the young player’s signature, Sky Germany reports that he has ruled out a move to England.
A move to FSV Mainz 05 looks to be on the cards as the Blues miss out on the highly rated midfielder and will be forced to turn their attention elsewhere.
Everton could have replaced rumoured departee Onana with bright prospect Krauss
How Everton’s midfield will look next season remains unclear, with Belgian international Amadou Onana constantly tipped to move away from Goodison Park, with West Ham United most recently linked.
Leeds United USA international midfielder Tyler Adams has been linked with a move to Everton following the relegation of Leeds United to the Championship, though there will likely be competition for his signature as well.
Abdoulaye Doucoure signed a one-year extension to remain at the club for the 2023/23 campaign, while Idrissa Gana Gueye also has a year left on his current deal.
22-year-old James Garner began to flourish towards the end of last season after recovering from a back injury and could play a big part in Everton’s starting XI this year.
However, to miss out on Tom Krauss will be a blow to Sean Dyche, and at just 21-years-old, such a signing could have demonstrated a change in strategy from the club.
Everton have been guilty of handing out lucrative contracts to players years past their best, with little resale value, but Krauss has bags of potential and could have been a very shrewd acquisition.
The Blues will now have to look elsewhere as a transfer target passes the club by once again.