Transfer insider Dean Jones was shocked when Everton were beaten to the signing of promising striker Matthew Hoppe during the summer transfer window.
What's the latest news involving Hoppe?
United States international Hoppe moved onto pastures new last week as he left German outfit Schalke for La Liga club Real Mallorca, where he penned a four-year deal, on transfer deadline day.
The 20-year-old made 25 appearances for Schalke, scoring six goals and claiming one assist in the process.
He also featured for his previous employers just a matter of days before securing his move to Mallorca.
Hoppe was linked with Premier League clubs before leaving Schalke, with journalist Ekrem Konur claiming Everton were weighing up whether to lodge a £2million bid.
The frontman, who has already been capped five times by the United States, was on the radar of Arsenal, according to reporter Grant Wahl.
What has Dean Jones said about Hoppe?
Jones regularly received updates on the future of Hoppe throughout the summer transfer window and was surprised to see the striker head to La Liga.
He, along with Hoppe's representatives, was certain a move to the English top flight was in the offing.
Jones told GMS: "To be honest, I thought Everton would be the one.
"Half of the clubs in the Premier League had contacted his people. His agents really expected him to land in the Premier League and it was quite a surprise that he went to Mallorca.
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"I think it might have something to do with the owners at Mallorca. As far as I'm aware, it might have played a role in his move in the short-term.
"He is such a big talent that I do think he would have been a good option in the Premier League."
What did Everton do after missing out on Hoppe?
Rafa Benitez, who was appointed as Carlo Ancelotti's successor in June, was relatively busy in the early stages of the transfer window.
He moved quickly to sign Andros Townsend following the expiry of his Crystal Palace contract, while Asmir Begovic joined from Championship outfit Bournemouth.
Demarai Gray then returned to his homeland by completing a £1.5million switch from Bundesliga outfit Bayer Leverkusen.
Andy Lonergan also linked up with the Goodison Park outfit before Benitez finally brought in a striker on deadline day.
Salomon Rondon, who played under Benitez at Newcastle United and Chinese Super League side Dalian Professional, penned a two-year deal moments before the transfer market closed.