It’s been a frustrating summer for Toffees fans, who have had no new signings to get excited about. After finishing fifth in the Premier League last season, it had been thought that Everton wouldn’t be standing still, looking to make the sort of signings that could close the gap between them and the Big Four. However, they haven’t yet materialised, although at least some fresh talent is starting to drip feed through to Goodison Park before the transfer window shuts.

The Liverpool Daily Post report that Everton hope to field Segundo Castillo, their second summer signing, against Portsmouth on Saturday. David Moyes has managed to snare the midfielder on a season-long loan from Red Star Belgrade, while the Scot will have to wait and see on a third new player who has work permit issues.

EVERTON are hoping to push through international clearance for new signing Segundo Castillo to make his debut against Portsmouth on Saturday.

But they will have to wait for Victor Obinna to join him after the Nigerian winger’s work permit application was refused.

Everton will appeal against this decision in the hope that his one-year loan move from Inter Milan can be completed before the transfer window shuts on Monday.

But Ecuadorian midfielder Castillo has completed his initial one-year loan from Red Star Belgrade after passing a medical at Finch Farm yesterday and receiving his work permit from the Home Office.

Are these the sort of signings that excite Everton fans, or do you get the distinct impression that these are very much secondary options for the Blues? It’s clear that Joao Moutinho was a top transfer target, although Sporting Lisbon have been demanding somewhere in the region of £15 million.