No good team does most of their business in the second half of August.
Not true. Most business happen late in the window. Lots of it by good clubs.
That said, it is always helpful for clubs to be attractive. If 5-6 clubs have interest for a player, the most attractive one can get business done early, while players have good reasons to not commit early for other clubs. That doesn't mean a transfer won't happen, but it will happen later.
You'd like to think that players Everton like to sign have interest from other clubs. Clubs that offer more money, a chance to win something and European football. We shouldn't be first choice for our transfer targets.
It's too early to going after our second and choices because our first choice will enjoy his vacation and hope other clubs shows interest before he says yes or no to Everton. Meanwhile our second and third choices are stalling any decision hoping Everton will give them an offer. It's a waiting game.