Everton are confident of signing Eliaquim Mangala from Manchester City in a stunning deadline-day deal, according to Sky Sports News.
The broadcaster claimed on their Twitter account early on Wednesday morning that the cash-rich Merseysiders “expect” to land Mangala, 26, ahead of Newcastle United and Valencia.
BREAKING:
Sky sources understand Everton expect to sign Eliaquim Mangala from Manchester City today. Newcastle and Valencia have also made an enquiry for the defender #DeadlineDay
More now: https://t.co/4lQ04HIB9E pic.twitter.com/uclNOISmm3— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) January 31, 2018
It has been reported that the runaway Premier League leaders are willing to send Mangala out on loan after signing Athletic Bilbao defender Aymeric Laporte for £57million on Tuesday.
Sky do not state whether Everton will sign the Frenchman on loan or a permanent deal but they are likely to have to stump up for most of his £80,000-a-week wages to seal the deal.
The centre-back spent last season on loan at Valencia and has made nine appearances for City this season but has slipped down the pecking order following the arrival of Laporte.
He joined the Premier League leaders in the summer of 2014 for a fee of £42million (source: Telegraph).
OPINION
Mangala might not be able to make Guardiola’s all-conquering side but he is a fine centre-back who could be a brilliant acquisition for Everton. They are in need of a new left-sided centre-back, with Sam Allardyce appearing to harbour doubts over 2017 summer signing Michael Keane, and Ashley Williams and Phil Jagielka at the veteran stage of their careers. Mangala was once one of the most highly rated young centre-backs in Europe and, aged 26, he still has time to achieve his potential.