€5m figure may have put off Everton – Friedkins not going to commit to that

Everton reportedly balked at Mauro Icardi's €5m wage demand, explaining why the free-agent striker remains unsigned despite the club's striker shortage.

Everton have been linked with free-agent Mauro Icardi as a potential solution to their striker crisis following Folarin Balogun's deadline-day rejection. However, reports suggest the Toffees were put off by Icardi's €5m financial demands. Valencia also withdrew from talks after the Argentine's asking price, though Real Betis are now exploring a deal. Everton are expected to return to the market in January, with scouts monitoring alternatives like Nicolo Tresoldi.