Everton manager Sam Allardyce has confirmed that he is on the verge of signing Eliaquim Mangala from Manchester City.
Allardyce has been quoted by Times reporter Paul Joyce on his personal Twitter account as stating that the Toffees are “close” to a last-mintue deal that would see Mangala, 26, move to Goodison Park in the final hour of the January transfer window.
Allardyce says Mangala “close”
— paul joyce (@_pauljoyce) January 31, 2018
It was been widely reported that Newcastle and West Ham were also in the hunt to sign the eight-times France international, but it appears that Everton have won the race for the ex-Porto ace, who moved to Man City for £42million in 2014.
Mangala was not in the squad that beat West Brom 3-0 on Wednesday night as he nears his switch to Goodison Park.
Opinion
Mangala will be a top, top signing for Allardyce, who has made three very good signings in January. He has added pace and Premier League experience with Theo Walcott, goalscoring panache with Cenk Tosun and now a solid, versatile defender in Mangala. The added bonus of signing the Frenchman is that he is left-footed and can play at left-back. Leighton Baines has really struggled with injuries this season and although he could be close to a comeback, an extra body in that area of the squad would be very welcome. Hats off to Allardyce for his business, now the job is over to him to show the fans he has made good signings.