Everton are set to secure the signing of Tyrique George as their only addition of the winter window.
David Moyes has been made to wait right until the buzzer for the Blues to make their move in the market.
As of just before 6pm GMT, George had completed his Everton medical, with a deal left with just over an hour to be completed.
Everton News columnist Alan Myers Q&A session on TalkingPoints.
Credit: GRV Media
The 7pm deadline has now struck and the Blues are yet to announce the signing of George.
It is expected to be just a matter of time, with the finer details of the agreement between the two clubs not yet revealed.
Would this be The Friedkin Group’s best move yet at Everton? 👏
Selling McNeil for £20m would fund George's option to buy 🔥
A side-by-side image of Everton midfielder Dwight McNeil and Chelsea's Tyrique George.
Credit: Getty Images/Vince Mignott/DeFodi Images/Alex Livesey.
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
However, Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solhekol may have just let slip the figure in question to sign George permanently in the summer.
SSC Napoli v Chelsea FC - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD8
Photo by Giuseppe Maffia/NurPhoto via Getty Images
How much Everton have to pay Chelsea to sign Tyrique George
Some reports have claimed Everton have favourable terms to sign George on a permanent deal in the summer.
MORE EVERTON STORIES
That is not the story shared by all, though.
Speaking live on Sky Sports, Solhekol has admitted it’s a big fee, but he is not allowed to disclose the exact figure.
“Tyrique George, the latest I can tell you on him is that he’s moving to Everton. I’ve been told that is done, loan plus an option,” he said.
“Now, the option price is very, very significant. I’ve been told not to reveal the option price, very tempting, but I’m not going to.
“It’s much more than you would think!”
Everton could fund George’s deal by selling Dwight McNeil, with reports claiming Crystal Palace have submitted a £20m bid.
The comments will only increase the curiosity over the fee in question.
Everton will want to avoid Tyler Dibling repeat
Since signing in the summer, Tyler Dibling has really struggled to impress at Everton.
The £40m price tag certainly has not helped his cause as the 19-year-old fails to play regular minutes under Moyes.
The positive with George is that Everton are trying before they buy.
George has the remainder of the season to prove his worth on Merseyside before the Blues need to part with any significant cash.
If the fee is so significant, George is going to have to seriously impress Moyes to earn himself a permanent move.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Everton content each week direct to your mailbox