It has now been revealed how close Everton were to signing Luis Diaz in the summer transfer window, ahead of another potential move in January.

The Lowdown: Talks

The Goodison Park faithful had reportedly held initial talks with Luiz over a potential move to the Merseyside club.

However, those discussions stalled very late on in the window, and in the end he stayed at FC Porto.

The Latest: Offer made

As per A Bola (via Sport Witness), Rafa Benitez's side 'really got ahead' with an offer of €30m (£25.8m) plus James Rodriguez on loan to sign Diaz, but the former Real Madrid star was 'turned down' by Porto manager Sergio Conceicao and the board.

They were 'pressed' by their need to raise some cash, but considered that his market value would grow in the future, and so did not feel that it was the right time to sell.

The Verdict: Return in January

With Rodriguez now set to join Al Rayyan, he would not be able to be included in any part of a deal for Diaz in January.

However, providing that enough finances are available, that should not stop the Toffees from returning with another offer, as it seems he was a top target for Benitez and co if they were willing to stump up close to £30m.

The Colombia international has been on fire so far this season with five goals and an assist in six games in the Portuguese top flight (Transfermarkt), and is a player that is very capable of replacing Rodriguez in the team.

At 24 years of age, he will only get better too, and now is certainly the best time to buy given his likely increase in market value.

In other news, find out whose display against QPR was slammed here!