Instead this is probably one of the very few times where one can say for certain that this was the case, because it wasnt' Sky, or the Sun (...) saying it, it was an official statement of Everton FC.
So for whatever firm report newspapers made, they didn't bid, at least a second time for sure.

The best footie management game: [Link]

So they might have bid once then?

And if they did they left it at that when we turned down their first offer?

Because of course a club are only ever going to make one bid and not follow it up again if the first approach has been turned down.

There could be any number of reasons why Everton (or any club for that matter) unsuccessful with the pursuit of a player, are going to conduct matters in private and not be entirely open and transparent with what actually went on, if and when it doesn’t come off.

How many times have we heard managers and clubs deny any interest in a player...only to Sign them A few days later?

Why are there so many ‘Undisclosed Fees’ as well if clubs are happy for everyone to know the full details of bids and transfer dealings?

Transfer negotiations can be very smoke and mirrors so we have to be open minded about what may or may not have gone on and to say categorically that we only ever received one firm bid from Arsenal for £45M last summer is I believe in all probability, not the case, especially when more than one sports writer are on record with specific details that would indicate otherwise.

Edited by Phil’s Barber (12 Aug 2020 10.01pm)

Thanks you’ve really cheered me up

Well there doesn’t seem to be much interest as of yet.
Even the media, have only moderate interest. Nothing like the storm they were a big part of last year. Arsenal, and Everton, both quiet .The new agent doesn’t appear to be making waves, either ,so maybe Wilf, has smelt the coffee.

He may put it in next season.

COYP

The rumour goes that SP promised Zaha could leave after a year if he signed a 5 year contract so that they could maximise his sale value. How much truth in it I don't know but it makes sense hence his strops.

Surely would have made sure there was a release clause added

Not heard this rumour, and if it was true I’m sure it’d be widespread. Sounds more like someone having a dig at SP.

Thats all it is, a rumour. There is evidence at all, just supporter website gossip. His agent and lawyers would have been all over the contract, but he was happy to sign without a release clause.

Yep. Wise post. Not an easy one for Parish tbf to him though. Zaha’s lack of end product, more value to us, Hodgson devaluing players other than defensive players in years ahead after the contract. But then Hodgson has done that in our battle to stay up so he’s guaranteed our safety but devalued our attacking players. Benteke included seeing as he was on fire the season before Roy. He never recovered after. Benteke takes a lot of blame but Hodgson set his team up around the back 7 or 8, not an attacking pattern of play. Swings and roundabouts.

COYP