Everton's transfer failings laid bare as details emerge on Daniel Munoz backtrack

Everton were hoping to sign Daniel Munoz in the summer.

The Toffees had plenty of time over the summer to scout right-back targets, and that's what they did.

However, a dramatic few days of the window saw them sign Ainsley Maitland-Niles from Lyon in a £4.2million deal that many believe was a panic option.

Even then, the Blues almost failed to get a deal done in time, despite the 29-year-old being at Finch Farm for most of deadline day.

David Moyes was even seen speaking to Munoz after his side beat Crystal Palace in their opening Premier League game of the season, and many thought he would be coming to Hill Dickinson.

But Munoz is now a Nottingham Forest player, and the reasons why he didn't join Everton have become clearer.

How Everton failed in Daniel Munoz chase as two offers revealed

Munoz emerged as a top target for Everton this summer, but the Toffees knew they would be having to paya premium for a player who doesn't have long left in his prime.

But the 30-year-old grabbed seven goal involvements for the Eagles in the Premier League last season, helping them to a European trophy and an FA Cup in this season prior.

According to The Athletic, Everton initially made an offer of £18million up front for the Colombian, with an additional £2m in add-ons also in the deal.

The Blues then had a change of heart closer to the deadline, and dropped their offer down to £15m, and then were below Palace's asking price.

As a result, Forest swooped in and sealed a £22m deal including add-ons for Munoz, almost the same amount that Everton had initially offered.

Evertonians have been left feeling frustrated after the window to say the least, and all eyes will be on Maitland-Niles to see how he performs.

How Ainsley Maitland-Niles deal is five years in the making

Everton have themselves a versatile player in Maitland-Niles, who hasn't always been a right-back.

He said himself he wasn't a right-back while at Arsenal, but has since found joy in the position in France.

He almost joined Everton in 2021, and infamously posted to his social media following a dispute with Arsenal.

Five years on, Maitland-Niles can call himself an Everton player, with fans keen to see how gets on.