Everton transfer news: Club end interest in Wilfried Zaha after dismissing reports of second offer

Club has taken unusual decision to dismiss reports they offered striker Cenk Tosun and midfielder james McCarthy in their efforts to sign Zaha from Crystal Palace

Everton have categorically denied they have submitted a second player-plus-cash bid for Crystal Palace's Wilfried Zaha.

The Toffees, who have confirmed Idrissa Gana Gueye’s move to Paris Saint-Germain after agreeing to join the Ligue 1 champions for a fee around £30m, took the unusual step of going public regarding ongoing transfer speculation.

Zaha was a target for manager Marco Silva but having had an offer rejected over the weekend they have withdrawn their interest, although that has not stopped claims suggesting they had returned on Monday with an improved cash bid plus midfielder James McCarthy and striker Cenk Tosun.

"Everton Football Club categorically denies that a bid has been submitted to Crystal Palace for Wilfried Zaha that included an increased sum plus Cenk Tosun and James McCarthy," a statement from the club read.

"Everton and Crystal Palace have a very good relationship. A bid was made over the weekend which was turned down.

"Both clubs agreed that was the end of the matter."

Silva and his director of football Marcel Brands are still trying to add to the summer arrivals of Manchester City midfielder Fabian Delph, back-up goalkeeper Jonas Lossl from Huddersfield and the permanent signing of last season's loan star Andre Gomes.

However, they lost out in the battle to keep Gueye, having managed to stave off PSG's interest in the 29-year-old in January.

After his involvement in Senegal's run to the Africa Cup of Nations final Gueye was not scheduled to return to Finch Farm until next week.

However, he travelled to Paris for a medical on Monday and completed his permanent move to the Parc des Princes early on Tuesday morning.

“Idrissa Gana Gueye has completed a transfer to Paris Saint-Germain for an undisclosed fee,” an Everton statement said. “Midfielder Gana joined Everton from Aston Villa in 2016 and played 108 matches in three seasons with the Club.

Everton have ended their interest in Zaha (Getty) (Getty Images)

“The 29-year-old, who scored four goals for Everton, was in the Senegal team which reached the final of this summer’s Africa Cup of Nations tournament.

“Gana returns to France after seven seasons with Lille earlier in his career from 2008 to 2015.”

PA