Real Madrid denies interest in Sandro Ramirez

This is the song that doesn't end

Yes, it goes on and on my friend

Yesterday, Spanish radio reported that Everton had been well and truly gazumped by Real Madrid in their long standing pursuit of Malaga striker Sandro Ramirez. The news justifiably sent Toffee world into a tizzy - nobody enjoys being left at the altar.

However, it seems (it bears asking that in this saga, does anyone really know anything?) that Sandro may end up on the blue side of the Mersey after all. Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has denied any interest in the ex Barcelona man.

Very basically translated, Perez said — this is the first I’ve heard of a Madrid move for Sandro.

Of course, Perez could simply be posturing as negotiations are carried on, but it is good to hear directly from the horse’s mouth. The Independent indirectly corroborates Perez’s comments, saying that Everton remain confident in securing Sandro’s signature:

The Independent understands that while the European champions have made contact, personal terms were not discussed with Sandro's agent and the likelihood remains that the player will head for England after his involvement in the European Under-21s in Poland.

Evertonians are certainly confident in the recruitment and scouting abilities of Ronald Koeman and Steve Walsh, but even if the Sandro tale has a happy ending, there will perhaps be some introspection at the club.

Could anything have been done differently to avoid this ridiculous back and forth? Should Everton have switched focus to a different forward by now? Has this nonsense held up negotiations for the likes of Gylfi Sigurdsson and Michael Keane?

In short: womp womp.

Please sign a striker soon, Ronald.