Everton owners the Friedkins were the ones behind Tim Iroegbunam’s potential move to Lazio being completely shut down.

That’s according to Corriere dello Sport. The newspaper cover Lazio today and their failed attempt for the Everton midfielder.

It’s explained that Lazio are still looking for a replacement for Mateo Guendouzi, who left earlier this month. The Frenchman was initially linked with a move to Sunderland, however, he ended up at Fenerbahçe instead.

Maurizio Sarri wants a signing, but the Italian club have been frustrated on that front so far. Lazio will know they need to please their manager, he has a strong record of tantrums over transfers. Should they fail to bring an option in then it’s likely to boil over, and in public too.

The Everton midfielder was one of the names that they explored. They saw him as young but ready and a potential box to box attacking midfielder. A player who could help them now but also be an investment for the future.

That led to reports in Italy that he had been added to their transfer list. An initial offer was quickly knocked back not long after, though. Everton made it clear that they...