OPINION
Olympiacos are reportedly looking to sign Everton attacker Kevin Mirallas on loan this summer with just three days remaining in the summer transfer window.
Belgian journalist Kristoff Terreur, who works for newspaper HLN, claimed on his personal Twitter account that initial talks have taken place over a move for the 29-year-old ace.
However, Ronald Koeman’s side do not want to lose the Belgium international either on loan or as part of a permanent deal as the Toffees look to keep their side intact ahead of a busy season that includes the Europa League.
Olympiakos are interested in signing Kevin Mirallas on loan. Initial talks took place, but Everton not keen on a sale/loan atm. #efc pic.twitter.com/Eo90YMnDG0
— Kristof Terreur (@kristofterreur) August 27, 2017
Mirallas, who moved to Goodison Park from Olympiacos back in the summer of 2012, failed to make the 18-man squad for Everton’s trip to Premier League champions Chelsea on Sunday which resulted in a 2-0 loss.
He has started just two of the Toffees’ seven league and cup encounters this season, which both came in the Europa League against Ruzemberok and Hajduk Split and has played just 13 minutes of Premier League football.
This Is Futbol weighs up whether a deal is a good move for the Toffees and if an agreement can be made between the two sides before the end of the transfer window.
Good move for Everton?
Mirallas still has plenty to offer Koeman’s side despite not being given sufficient game time following the Toffees’ influx of new players.
The likes of Sandro Ramirez, Gylfi Sigurdsson and Wayne Rooney have reduced the chances of Mirallas’ playing time, while the form of Dom Calvert-Lewin, Ademola Lookman and Aaron Lennon has seen him plummet down the pecking order.
Yannick Bolasie is still to return from a long-term knee injury, and that is likely to push Mirallas down the rankings even further.
But the Belgian still boasts plenty of quality that has seen him score 38 times in 177 Everton appearances from out wide, and he should be kept for cover. Everton must not let him go.
This Is Futbol rating: 2/10.
Likely to happen?
A move back to his former side is likely to be favoured by Mirallas, who is still admired by the Greek champions after two years with the club that saw him score 34 goals in 71 games.
Olympiacos offer the temptation of Champions League football, with Mirallas likely to be installed as one of the senior members of the squad.
Falling behind his teammates in Koeman’s thinking, the Belgian could look to force a move in order to prolong the peak spell of his career and that could see Everton sell their attacker.
Everton seem unwilling to sell, but Olympiacos remain interested and a deal could occur before the end of the transfer window.
This Is Futbol rating: 5/10.