Mangala once thrived under Fonseca; could he still earn Everton deal?

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Everton target Paulo Fonseca worked with Eliaquim Mangala in the 2013-14 season.

According to The Mirror, Everton are planning to axe manager Sam Allardyce this summer, with majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri looking to lure Shakhtar Donetsk boss Paulo Fonseca to Goodison Park.

Allardyce was only snapped up as Ronald Koeman’s replacement back in November, but poor performances and a negative brand of football have left fans – and seemingly Moshiri – seeking change this summer.

Fonseca, 45, has brought an attractive approach to Shakhtar since his 2016 appointment, winning a domestic double in Ukraine last season before guiding his side to the knockout stages of the Champions League this term, whilst another title win appears to be imminent.

The Portuguese boss would certainly be a change from Allardyce, but Fonseca may yet be interested in securing a permanent deal for a loan signing Allardyce made during the January transfer window.

Defender Eliaquim Mangala joined Everton on loan from Manchester City until the end of the season in January, but the Frenchman’s spell was effectively cut short with a major knee injury sustained against Crystal Palace last month.

Mangala is set to return to City this summer, where he would be sat behind Vincent Kompany, Nicolas Otamendi, John Stones and Aymeric Laporte, meaning a permanent exit seems almost inevitable – and that could open the door to a reunion with Fonseca.

Mangala shot to stardom under Fonseca in the 2013-14 season, thriving with Porto before Fonseca was unceremoniously sacked, with Mangala completing a big-money move to City just months later.

Fonseca seemingly knew how to get the best out of the former Standard Liege talent before his struggles at the Etihad Stadium, and with reports from The Sun (27 March, page 55) suggesting that Everton may yet sign Mangala permanently, Fonseca may just be called upon to turn his Toffees career into a success and get his former defender back on track.