Everton are reluctant to sanction a deal for Charlton's Ademola Lookman that allows the 19-year-old to return to the League One club on loan.
The clubs have been negotiating a transfer which could rise above £10million based on bonus payments but Charlton are insisting Lookman stays with them for the rest of the campaign.
Everton director of football Steve Walsh wants the 19-year-old in January to give Ronald Koeman another attacking option with Yannick Bolasie out injured for 12 months.
Everton, who confirmed in club accounts that major shareholder Farhad Moshiri has cleared debts of £80m by providing an interest free loan, remain in talks with Manchester United over Morgan Schneiderlin and Memphis Depay though wages are an obstacle.