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Everton were left in ‘genuine disbelief’ after former Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun withdrew from a late move from Monaco, according to reports.

The Toffees had already wrapped up the signings of Merlin Rohl (£20m, Freiburg), Hayden Hackney (£16.5m, Middlesbrough), Tyrique George (£18m, Chelsea), Christian Norgaard (£7m, Arsenal) and Brennan Johnson (swap deal, Crystal Palace) before deadline day.

Then, on the final day of the transfer window, David Moyes’ side also succeeded in completing deals for Jack Grealish (loan, Manchester City) and Ainsley Maitland-Niles (£4.29m, Lyon).

It had appeared increasingly likely that Everton would also land Balogun, with a move for the USA international viewed as vital after Beto was allowed to join Fiorentina.

The Athletic’s David Ornstein reported close to the deadline that Everton were ‘hopeful’ of pushing through a deal for Balogun.

Ornstein said: ‘Everton hopeful of completing deal to sign Folarin Balogun from Monaco before transfer window closes.

‘#EFC deal for 25yo #ASMonaco striker being renegotiated with lower fixed fee + higher bonuses. Loan move for Joshua Zirkzee of #MUFC off.’

Late on deadline day, Fabrizio Romano also maintained that paperwork was being exchanged and that the transfer remained on course.

Romano said: ‘Everton and AS Monaco are in direct talks to sort issues trying to get Folarin Balogun deal done.

‘All parties on it. #EFC.’

He then added: ‘Everton and AS Monaco now believe they have all set to complete Folarin Balogun deal.

‘Documents being exchanged.’

In his deadline-day update, reliable journalist Ben Jacobs revealed 30 minutes after the deadline that the Balogun move had been brought back to life.

Jacobs wrote: ‘Adding bullets to this already insane saga. – Balogun deal to Everton revived – Monaco pull the plug on Camara to Chelsea despite a written agreement – Chelsea proceed with the Enzo Fernandez sale to Manchester City even though they had time to call it off.’

He then reported another dramatic twist, saying: ‘And the final incredible bullet: Balogun deal agreed on new terms, but the player has a change of heart.’

TEAMtalk have now reported that Everton were left ‘shocked’ and ‘disappointed’ after Balogun’s last-minute change of mind.

TEAMtalk explained how the transfer broke down: ‘Sources have told TEAMtalk that there was genuine disbelief inside Everton when Balogun decided against completing the move, with the club having spent much of Deadline Day working through issues with Monaco and the player.

‘There had been a back-and-forth between the clubs over Balogun’s medical, but those concerns were resolved, and the transfer was renegotiated at around £40million.

‘At that point, the deal was very much on track, and everything was then put in place for the 25-year-old to complete the move to Merseyside.

‘However, when Balogun was expected to sign his contract, he instead chose not to proceed and left Finch Farm.’