Everton are close to adding the last-gasp signing of Yerry Mina to that of Bernard after a major development today, according to a reliable journalist.
Albert Roge, who writes for Spanish newspaper Sport, reported on his personal Twitter account on Tuesday morning that Mina has been granted permission by his club Barcelona not to attend training this morning (Tuesday) pending his depature.
Roge explained the Colombia international, 23, is headed to Everton as terms are finalised of a deal that will be worth £28.6million.
Yerry Mina no ha acudido al entrenamiento de este martes con permiso del club. Pendiente de su salida. Lo tiene cerrado con Everton y solo falta que Barça quiera aceptar los 32M que ofrecen los ingleses #fcblive pic.twitter.com/CQYpMPMvss
— Albert Rogé (@albert_roge) August 7, 2018
Good move for Everton?
Yes. Mina is a powerhouse centre-back who has the potential to become one of the best in his position in the world. The 6ft 4in giant is not only a commanding presence who scares the living daylights out of his opponents, but he is technically gifted and mobile, as he showed in an outstanding World Cup last-16 display against England, when he also scored his third goal in three matches. He will be a massive upgrade on the current centre-backs available to Marco Silva, who has made it clear he wants a new defender signed by Thursday’s window cut-off after loaning out Ashley Williams to Stoke City last week.
This Is Futbol rating 9/10
Likely to happen?
Lyon made it clear yesterday they are fighting Everton all the way for the signing of Mina, but it appears the latest twist puts Everton firmly in pole position to close the deal in the next 48 hours. Barcelona’s decision to grant the player permission to move is a clear sign that negotiations have reached the decisive stages and a move is now imminent. There could be some more late drama on this sage, but Everton are certainly well placed to seal the deal.
This Is Futbol rating 8/10