David Moyes has had to brief the media once again without seeing Everton secure any January signings.
It is turning out to be a really frustrating winter market to operate in for Kevin Thelwell and The Friedkin Group.
Everton were expected to make two signings this month, but any new additions are going to be made less than four days before the deadline now.
Moyes will be desperate to see new faces land at Finch Farm before Monday evening with the 60-year-old’s options depleted through injuries.
Beto is expected to start against Leicester City on Saturday with the likes of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Armando Broja and Youssef Chermiti all sidelined.
With time running out, Moyes has now shared how close Everton actually are to securing their first signing.

David Moyes shares transfer latest at Everton
Everton are facing competition for Evan Ferguson as they look to land a new striker for Moyes.
And that has proven to be the case for the Toffees this month in not being able to get deals for their targets quite over the line.
Speaking to the media on Friday afternoon, Moyes provided the latest on the transfer front from Finch Farm.
“It [Mangala’s injury] means we’ve got even more reason to bring in players, which we know. But it’s not easy to get the players in we want,” he said.
“Confidence at the moment has become difficult because it’s not through a lack of trying, let me tell you.
“I know behind the scenes we are really trying, but we are hampered by PSR. I’m really jealous of other teams going for expensive players.
“We hope to bring in some players, but maybe it’s not the ones – if we had the money – we’d be trying to do.”
Moyes previously shared Everton’s interest in Ernest Nuamah who now looks set to remain at Lyon this month.
With just over three days to go, Thelwell needs to get a wriggle on otherwise there will be some serious questions being asked at Everton.
Moyes will be pushing the Friedkins for signings
Now three weeks into the job, Moyes is expected to have demanded signings before even taking on the role at Goodison.
However, the Friedkins are certainly making the 60-year-old wait with the clock really beginning to tick down.
Everton have been offered AC Milan winger Samuel Chukwueze but there are also a number of other clubs in the race for the forward.
Although time is running out, transfer deadline day has the ability to provide a lot of twists and turns.
A long day could be ahead of Thelwell and Everton on Monday.
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