Everton failed in last-ditch swoop to sign Benfica striker Raul Jimenez on season-long loan
The Toffees were prepared to pay £2m to the Portuguese outfit to secure the powerful frontman for a season
EVERTON failed in a last-ditch attempt to bring Benfica striker Raul Jimenez to Goodison Park on loan on transfer deadline day.
The Toffees were prepared to pay the Portuguese outfit £2m to bag the powerful frontman until the end of the season.
But A Bola reports that Benfica rebuffed the bid for the 26-year-old.
The former Atletico Madrid flop scored 11 goals in all competitions last season and has made a name for himself as a fine target man.
Everton lack a real presence in the air after cashing in on Romelu Lukaku.
Toffees boss Ronald Koeman believed landing Jimenez would bring the best out of club-record buy Gylfi Sigurdsson, who is an expert in picking out the perfect ball for a powerful attacker to latch on to.
The Dutchman made it clear he wanted more attacking power at Goodison Park before the transfer window shuts.
Benfica were believed to be prepared to listed to offers for their striker - but only if they matched the £46million valuation put on his head.
That proved too steep for Everton, who returned with a loan bid that ultimately came to nought.
The Portuguese club received a similar bid from a Chinese club, and despite Jimenez rejecting the offer, club chiefs remain adamant he will only leave for that price.