Everton were ready to splash £21million on securing the signing of outcast Barcelona defender Yerry Mina this summer but the La Liga heavyweights are looking for more money, according to journalist Alan Nixon.
The Sun writer claims on his personal Twitter account that the Toffees were ready to spend the eight figure fee on the 23-year-old colossus, who stands at a giant 6’4″ (source: Transfermarkt), but that it would not be enough to convince the Catalan giants, who won La Liga last season, to let him go.
Having impressed at the World Cup with Colombia, it is said Everton wanted to take him to Merseyside in a bid to bolster their own back line, having struggled for game time at Barca with just six appearances last season.
Good move for Everton?
The Toffees certainly need some fresh blood in what is a particularly ageing back line, and Mina certainly seems to have the credentials to make a move to Goodison Park a success.
Tall, powerful, and proven on the international stage, he could be a real force to be reckoned with – but the asking price makes this one an expensive swoop for Everton.
Can they really warrant spending over the £21million they were willing to table for his capture?
Even with all his game time for Colombia, he was mainly unused by Barcelona last season, and whether he has what it takes to see out a full season in the Premier League remains to be seen.
This is Futbol rating: 7/10
Likely to happen?
Only if Everton offer more money it seems.
Barcelona seem reluctant to let him go even though he has barely had any performances for the Spanish champions, and they want to get what money they can.
His World Cup displays will have done nothing to help Everton’s cause either.
This is Futbol rating: 4/10