Everton have reportedly withdrawn their interest for Newcastle United midfielder Moussa Sissoko in the closing stages of the transfer window.
The 27-year-old was understood to be on the brink of agreeing a move to Goodison Park on deadline day after the Toffees matched Newcastle's £30m valuation for the player.
However, discussions ground to a halt when Sissoko seemingly changed his mind about moving to Merseyside, prompting Tottenham Hotspur to launch a late bid to sign the France international.
Spurs have reportedly matched Everton's £30m offer, which could see them pay five separate installments of £6m, and Sissoko is thought to prefer a move to White Hart Lane due to the prospect of Champions League football.
Following Tottenham's late re-entry into the race for his signature, Everton have now withdrawn their interest and given up hopes of signing Sissoko, who reportedly ignored calls from Ronald Koeman before informing the club that he no longer wanted the move.
Sissoko has been linked with a move away from St James' Park all summer after drawing interest with his performances at Euro 2016.
Barney Corkhill
