Sean Dyche has brushed off suggestions that the signing of Jake O'Brien from Lyon is directly related to Jarrad Branthwaite's future.
Manchester United have had two bids for Branthwaite rejected earlier in the transfer window, though are expected to try again to draw the defender away from Goodison Park.
And on Tuesday, Everton announced the signing of O'Brien on a four-year contract after an impressive season in Ligue 1.
Among Lyon players, O'Brien made the most blocks (18) and clearances (96), while only Duje Caleta-Car (57) won more contested aerial duels than his 44.
The Republic of Ireland international is the fifth signing for Everton so far, and Dyche explained why he felt it was so important to use this transfer window to build for the future.
"Putting two and two together at Everton football club. No way!" Dyche joked.
"What I would suggest is, it's nothing to do with that. It's just trying to model the club with the finances available. Trying to bring in players who can add to the layers of the club.
"Obviously, we're stretched at the moment, but the depth of the club, with a younger style of players who can develop and protect the club both on the pitch with their performances and in the future with the finances.
"It's a tough juggling act and tough to find the players who can do that, but we think we've got a few here now.
"We've made it clear to him [Branthwaite] that there was nothing other than that. But like you said, put two and two together and everyone starts speculating. What can you do?"
'Why not stay here for life?' – Diallo excited for bigger Man Utd role
Amad Diallo is hopeful of more game time at Manchester United this season and wants to continue playing for the club for years to come.
The Ivorian did not feature often last season, with injury stalling his progress while manager Erik ten Hag also favoured Antony or Alejandro Garnacho.
Nevertheless, Diallo showed what he could do in flashes, with his injury-time winner against Liverpool in the FA Cup one of the high points of United’s season.
The 22-year-old is confident of more involvement this term, having held conversations with Ten Hag about his progress going forward.
He said: "I am so excited, I believe in the manager, I know last season I didn't play a lot but this season is going to be a good season for everyone and motivated to start the season.
"We [myself and Ten Hag] had a conversation, a positive conversation and he said good things.
"I believe in the manager, last season I didn't play a lot, but I think we will have good things this season."
Asked if he had considered leaving, Diallo replied: "I'm very happy here.
"I think everyone is happy with me because I smile with everyone, good energy. Why not stay here all my life?"
Diallo's FA Cup goal against Liverpool will go down in United folklore and the man himself is still processing the enormity of the strike, especially with the club going on to win the competition.
When asked if he still watches back the winner, he said: "Yeah, so many times. That goal was the most important goal of my life.
"I was very happy to score the goal. Even now I can’t believe it."
Diallo is happy to play across the frontline for United but confirmed that he was at his most comfortable when drifting in from a right-wing position, despite starting out centrally earlier in his career.
He said: "My first position was number 10 when I was at Atalanta. After that, a right winger, but I can play number 10, left winger, I can play everywhere in the forward line, I’m ready to play every single position.
“Right winger [is my favourite]. I have played there for a long time. That is my best position. I am more comfortable in that position."
Diallo will hope to be in action for United’s next pre-season match against Real Betis in San Diego.
Goalkeeper Jorgensen joins Chelsea
Chelsea have signed goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen from Villarreal for a reported £20.7million (€24.5m).
Jorgensen made 36 LaLiga appearances for Villarreal last season.
The 22-year-old made 143 saves, the most in Spain's top flight, keeping six clean sheets and conceding 63 goals in total, registering a save percentage of 69.42.
Those performances have persuaded the Blues to bring in the Dane to compete with Robert Sanchez and Djorde Petrovic, though there are reports the latter could be moved on.
"This move is a dream come true," said Jorgensen, who has penned a seven-year contract at Stamford Bridge.
"I am very excited to have signed for Chelsea, one of the biggest clubs in the world. I can’t wait to get to know everyone and to start playing with all my new team-mates."
Barcelona 2-2 Man City (4-1 on pens): Blaugrana claim shootout win in storm-delayed friendly
Manchester City drew 2-2 with Barcelona but then lost 4-1 on penalties in a delayed friendly on Tuesday.
A storm around Orlando caused the pre-season meeting at Camping World Stadium to be pushed back by over an hour.
When the match did get going, fans were treated to a first half featuring three goals – City's Nico O'Reilly cancelling out Pau Víctor's opener before Pablo Torre put an inexperienced Barca side back into the lead.
Playing their first game under new coach Hansi Flick, Barca were pegged back by Jack Grealish's goal on the hour mark.
However, the Blaugrana, who introduced first-teamers Alejandro Balde, Inigo Martinez and Robert Lewandowski after the break, came out on top in the shootout, with Kalvin Phillips and Jacob Wright failing to convert from the spot.
City take on Premier League rivals Chelsea in the final match of their American tour this weekend, while Barca have a friendly Clasico against Real Madrid to come on Sunday.
Data Debrief: Grealish and Bobb lively
Grealish said he has extra motivation after missing out on Euro 2024, and the winger impressed in Florida, having five shots overall, successfully completing three dribbles and winning six of his 13 duels.
Oscar Bobb has had a fine pre-season and maintained that form, creating a game-leading four chances.
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