Dynamo Kiev president Ihor Surkis said that Everton's bid for Andriy Yarmolenko came 'too late' in the transfer window for the two sides to do a deal.

However, he did offer hope to the Toffees in their pursuit for the playmaker, with there a possibility of Yarmolenko moving to Goodison Park in January.

Everton bid 'too late'

Everton reportedly agreed a £15 million deal for Yarmolenko earlier this month after meeting the Ukrainian international's release clause.

However, Surkis said that he would have only sold the winger "if Everton came earlier in the transfer window," though he could not now put his team in a "difficult position" and risk being "humiliated" in the Champions League by selling one of their star players as the competition's group stages approach.

Drawn in a group with Chelsea, FC Porto and Maccabi Tel-Aviv, Surkis said that Kiev have a "great chance of having a great Champions League season," and that they need Yarmolenko "more than ever" to ensure this, as he is the team's "leader."

A January move possible

Still, the Kiev president did not rule out the possibility of Yarmolenko moving to Everton in January, should the team struggle in Europe, stating that, if Kiev "are out of the Champions League in the winter," then he will allow the player to "be on offer" to others and "let him leave the team."

Surkis continued, admitting that the 25-year-old "wants" to play in the Premier League and "did" want to join Everton.

However, Yarmolenko has one year left on his contract and if the Toffees are unable to sign him in January then they could sign him on a free transfer next summer, given he does not sign a new contract with Dynamo Kiev, though the club will surely want to cash in in the winter instead.

Martinez still looking to bolster attacking options

Everton manager Roberto Martinez is still hoping to bolster his attacking options before the transfer window shuts later today, with Yarmolenko just one of many targets going forward.

Aaron Lennon could make a return to Goodison Park, after spending the second half of last season on loan at Everton, scoring two goals in 14 appearances for the Toffees.

Highly-rated Sevilla striker Juan Munoz is also believed to be on Everton's radar. The 19-year-old has scored 18 goals in 47 appearances for Sevilla's B-side but has only made one appearance for the club's first-team.

Everton have also been linked with Shakhtar Donetsk's Brazilian number 10 Bernard.