Why Tim Iroegbunam's move from Everton to Hull City has now collapsed

Tim Iroegbunam is to remain at Everton after a proposed move to Hull City fell through.

The 23-year-old was in advanced talks over a move to the newly promoted Premier League side.

Everton, Hull and Iroegbunam were each open to a deal, which looked as though it could go through imminently.

A fee in the region of £15million to £20m had been mentioned for the former Aston Villa player.

However, that deal will now no longer be going through - in this transfer window, at least.

The full reason behind that has now been outlined in what is a blow to Everton and boss David Moyes.

Everton dealt fresh Tim Iroegbunam blow

Iroegbunam had been deemed surplus to requirements by Moyes, with a better option wanted in that central midfield department.

However, Hull Live reported on Friday morning that the former England Under-20s international will not be leaving Finch Farm.

That is due to Iroegbunam sustaining a hamstring injury in last weekend's friendly with Stuttgart, which forced him off the field early.

While it is not known how long he will be absent, the injury is severe enough to keep him out beyond the transfer window closing next month.

Tim Iroegbunam could follow Dwight McNeil's path

Everton have been here before, albeit in a more extreme example earlier this year.

Dwight McNeil was all set to join Crystal Palace, but the deal collapsed after he had undergone his medical.

Six months later and McNeil is now indeed a Palace player, with Brennan Johnson moving the opposite way as part of a swap deal.

Iroegbunam is due to be out of contract at Hill Dickinson Stadium next summer, but Everton have a 12-month extension option.

That means he will still have some value come January and into next summer.

It would not be at all surprising if Hull revisit this one in 2027.

For now, though, Iroegbunam will remain an Everton player. And it may well be that he has a part to play for Moyes when fit and ready after this unexpected twist.