Koeman: Belfodil no longer on Everton's radar

Everton has abandoned a deal for Standard Liege striker Ishak Belfodil.

The Toffees were reportedly prepared to sign Belfodil for a £10.4-million fee, but manager Ronald Koeman confirmed to reporters Thursday he will not arrive this month.

"Belfodil was one of the players on our list and we had the opportunity to buy him, but we took the decision not to sign him," the Dutchman said, according to the Guardian's Ed Aarons and Paul Wilson. Koeman added, "We are still hopeful of bringing more players in but only if they make the team stronger."

Still just 25 years old, the Algerian has played for a number of clubs across Europe.

He had brief stays at Bologna, Parma, Inter, and Livorno during a particularly disappointing Serie A career, and in 2015 sought a new beginning in Abu Dhabi with Baniyas. Belfodil returned to European football a year later as a free agent with Liege, where he has scored 10 goals in 21 matches this season.

Everton's interest in Belfodil, however, baffled close followers of his career. Though he sealed a move to Inter in 2013, he failed to show the quality to earn regular minutes at a prominent club, running out just 10 times for the Nerazzurri.

He was just as underwhelming for Parma, scoring once in 23 appearances before the club terminated his contract and fell into bankruptcy.

Head of recruitment Steve Walsh apparently tipped Everton to sign Belfodil, whose agent also represents Riyad Mahrez, the player Walsh identified while working for Leicester City.

Koeman also indicated Gerard Deulofeu could leave Goodison Park in January.

AC Milan is reportedly in negotiations to sign Deulofeu on loan.

"I spoke to Gerry and it's a difficult situation for the player. If he finds a solution to go and to play and to get game time, then it's not a problem," Koeman said. "But the final decision is by the board of the club, and I did not have any call from the chairman that they agree something for Deulofeu."