Everton may miss out on signing Barcelona’s La Liga champion Mina with Manchester United now reportedly leading the chase.
Everton looked set to end their search for a promising young centre-back last week, with Barcelona’s Yerry Mina seemingly closing in on a big-money move to Goodison Park.
After seeing bids of £15 million and £21 million rejected by the La Liga champions, Goal claimed last week that Everton were on the verge of signing the Colombian World Cup star.
It was reported that they had made an improved offer of £27 million – a fee that was closer to Barca’s valuation of a player they signed in January for just £10 million.
But suggestions that Mina was on his way to Merseyside appear to have been slightly premature. Latest reports from Sport suggest that the former Palmeiras man’s price-tag has suddenly increased, thanks to Manchester United.
Sport claims that Barcelona have taken the decision to reject Everton’s £27 million bid, with Manchester United suddenly willing to pay far more to sign the 6ft 4ins powerhouse.
The report states that Jose Mourinho has made Leicester City’s Harry Maguire his top defensive target but Mina is the affordable back-up. Barcelona are expecting a bid of £35 million from the Old Trafford giants.
So Everton’s saga rumbles on. Either they agree to pay around £10 million more for Mina or now is the time to look elsewhere.
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