Everton were said to be furious when Moussa Sissoko 'went missing' after they had chartered a private flight to take him to Merseyside on deadline day.
Going missing, they would have learned, is a recurring theme with the France international, who ignored Everton's calls and instead signed for Spurs in a £30million deal.
The Toffees had a lucky escape. For while they were miffed that Sissoko had gone off radar for a few hours on Wednesday night, that annoyance is nothing compared to the supporters and staff of Newcastle United who have wondered where their midfielder has been for the best part of three years.