Stay in control of the latest Blues news with our Everton newsletter Sign up now Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Everton are ready to pull the plug on a deal to sign Manolo Gabbiadini.

The Blues have grown frustrated with Napoli who are refusing to sanction the transfer until they find a replacement for the 24-year-old striker.

Manager Ronald Koeman made Gabbiadini his first-choice target after Everton missed out on the signing of Lucas Perez and the club were ready to pay in excess of £20m for the player.

The Italian international forward is understood to be keen on a move to Goodison.

Terms had been agreed in principle but Napoli were holding out until they found someone to fill the void.

Genoa striker Leonardo Pavoletti was said to be Napoli’s main target although Manchester City outcast Wilfried Bony has also been linked.

But Gabbiadini’s move to Everton now hangs in the balance after the Blues grew tired of waiting for a decision with Wednesday’s 11pm deadline looming.

After seeing a move for Deportivo La Coruna’s Perez hijacked by Arsenal, Everton set their sights on Gabbiadini and were confident of pushing through a deal.

But the Blues are now prepared to walk away from the transfer.