Everton were prepared to pay £70m for Chelsea striker Diego Costa in a late move in the summer transfer window, according to The Mirror.

What's the story?

The Merseyside outfit spent more than £100m on a handful of new signings, but they failed to replace Romelu Lukaku, who left to join Manchester United.

Wayne Rooney returned to Goodison Park, while Sandro Ramirez was also bought, but it has been widely reported that manager Ronald Koeman wanted another attacking player.

The Mirror reports that Everton were willing to pay a staggering £70m for Chelsea misfit Costa, who caused controversy in the summer for refusing to return to Stamford Bridge.

The Spain international made it clear that he only wanted to join his former club Atletico Madrid, and eventually his wish was granted.

Costa will not be eligible to play for the La Liga club until January, though, due to a transfer embargo that prevents Atletico from registering new players until 2018.

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What does this bid tell us about Everton?

Firstly, that the Toffees certainly have money to spend. The club jumped out of the blocks in the transfer window and were praised for their early business.

However, judging by the team's performances this season so far, they failed to bring in the one player they needed - a striker.

The Toffees have won two of their six Premier League matches and in that time have scored just four times.

If these latest reports are true, then potentially forking out £70m for Costa so late in the window shows that Koeman was desperate for a new attacker.

Ironically, the man who the manager deemed not good enough for the team is showing the most promise up front.

Oumar Niasse, who did not even have a squad number at the start of last season, has scored three goals in his last two matches in all competitions.

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