There could be a deadline day signing for Everton, but it does not look like being a particularly exciting one.
Everton are looking to make a loan swoop for Manchester City’s Eliaquim Mangala on deadline day, according to Sky Sports.
The France international has been pushed down the pecking order at the Etihad Stadium by the arrival of compatriot Aymeric Laporte on Tuesday, with Mangala’s playing time already limited.
And it now seems City are willing to let the defender join Sam Allardyce’s Everton on a temporary deal.
While the deal makes sense for Pep Guardiola, though, Toffees fans would be excused for wondering exactly what it is that Mangala will bring to their side.
The former Porto man has struggled in a ball-playing role in the City back line this season, with opposition teams targeting his clumsy footwork.
But Mangala can defend – hence City shelling out a huge £42million on the player in the first place.
Ultimately, it is a prospective move that again says a great deal about Allardyce’s style of play, with defensive capability favoured over quality on the ball.
Perhaps such a signing can arrest Everton’s recent slide, but it is unlikely to carry much favour with fans who are already frustrated by the methods employed since the ex-England manager took charge.
Everton began the season hoping to compete for a top four place with teams like City and yet are now accepting cast-offs from the Etihad.
Allardyce can hardly question his unpopularity if that is the case.
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