Despite news overnight on social media that Ryan Shawcross might be on his way to Everton - and SkyBet making the side 1/2 favourites to sign him before the deadline - any hopes of a deal have just been killed stone dead. According to Sky Sports, the reports of a deal were over-exaggerated, which follows on from the MailOnline suggesting that Everton cannot afford the fee suggested to them by Stoke for their 26-year-old captain. Roberto Martinez had made a late enquiry after his side conceded six against Chelsea, and proved exactly why defensive reinforcements are required. Unfortunately for Everton fans, they can only offer up to £8million for Shawcross - after an expensive summer - and Stoke simply would not sell for that price. Martinez will now have to look elsewhere for defensive options to bolster the ranks and ease the burden on first choice pairing Phil Jagielka and Sylvain Distin with John Stones as back-up. Who should Everton try to sign now as defensive cover? Share your thoughts below in the comments thread below.
