Everton are closing in on a move to sign Man City defender Eliaquim Mangala.
Manchester City defender Eliaquim Mangala is set to join Everton on loan until the end of the season, but could Sam Allardyce look to use the Frenchman in a different position than central defence?
Mangala could be allowed to leave Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City as the Sky Blues confirmed a £57million move for Spanish defender Aymeric Laporte from Athletic Bilbao on Tuesday afternoon.
Everton have needed a centre-back this season with the likes of Ashley Williams and Michael Keane under performing at the back, especially during Ronald Koeman’s reign at the start of the season.
However, it is at left-back where Everton are much more desperately in need of additions, and Mangala has a history of playing on the left side of defence throughout his career.
The eight-time France international is left-footed and has a history of playing on the left side of defence, which could tempt Allardyce in playing him at left-back with Leighton Baines still sidelined with a calf injury.
It has seen the Toffees play right-footed Cuco Martina at left-back for much of the season, but the former Southampton defender’s performances have been well below par of late.
It should see Allardyce look to solve Everton’s main problem area by playing Mangala at left-back, away from his natural position of central defence, in the hope that he can replace Baines to a much better standard than Martina.
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