Roberto Martinez and Everton look to have been dealt a blow after reports have suggested that potential transfer target Ahmad Benali will instead move to Serie A and join Italian side Palermo.
This week the Premier League club confirmed the signing of Tom Cleverley from Manchester United on a free and Martinez would have hoped to capture the signature of Benali to help swell the Toffees' ranks.
Didn't make the cut
Benali, still just 23-years-old, was a product of the Manchester City youth academy, but failed to make a first-team appearance before being shipped off to Brescia in 2012.
With Everton monitoring the Libya international, a potential move back to England appeared to be on the cards. Despite this, interest from Palermo seems to have encouraged the youngster to stay in Italy.
With nine goals in 36 Serie B appearances for Brescia last season, Everton will rue this missed opportunity to add the youngster to their squad.
