Everton boss Roberto Martinez remains hopeful of signing AS Monaco striker Lacina Traore - despite Radamel Falcao's knee injury.
Martinez confirmed at his Friday press conference that talks over a deal for the Ivorian were still ongoing.
And asked if he feared the transfer was in jeopardy, the Blues boss said: "I hope not. It was shocking news around European football when a player of the quality of Radamel Falcao gets a long-term injury.
"We hope that is not something that should affect the decision to allow Lacina to go out on loan. I think it would go down to what the player needs in his development and I hope that (Falcao's injury) would have no bearing on the decision.
"We are really far down the line and it would be a real disappointment not to compete it, so we will see what today brings.
"We have got the work permit and we feel quite excited about bringing Lacina to Everton."
