Everton are said to be closing on the signing of Man City defender Eliaquim Mangala.
Former Everton and Manchester City defender Joleon Lescott has told Sky Sports News on Wednesday morning that the signing of Manchester City is one that suits Toffees boss Sam Allardyce.
Sky Sports News confirmed in a report that Everton are confident of completing a deal to sign the 26-year-old on loan until the end of the season, in what will be the Toffees’ third signing of the January window.
Allardyce has already brought in striker Cenk Tosun from Besiktas and England international Theo Walcott from Arsenal, and now Mangala is likely to be the third signing under Allardyce’s tenure.
Speaking on Sky Sports News on the morning of Wednesday’s deadline day, Lescott believes the signing of Mangala perfectly suits Allardyce as the former England boss looks to strengthen his defence.
“We were talking off air [with Mike Phelan] that Mangala is ready-made for Everton. He’s in Sam Allardyce’s mould, and he certainly fits the bill,” Lescott said.
It is believed that Mangala, an eight-time France international, will join Everton on loan after Man City confirmed the £57million capture of defender Aymeric Laporte from Athletic Bilbao.
Mangala has played just nine times in the Premier League for Man City this season, and has 18 months left on his contract at the Etihad. It remains to be seen if a permanent clause will be included in the loan deal.
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