Everton are reportedly closing in on Barcelona defender Yerry Mina.
According to Goal, Everton are closing in on the £21million signing of Barcelona defender Yerry Mina after Marcel Brands held talks with the Catalan giants on Monday.
Mina, 23, joined Barcelona in January having impressed in Brazil with Palmeiras, but he struggled to make an impact in his first few months with the La Liga champions.
The 6ft 5in defender did though impress at the World Cup with Colombia this summer, scoring three goals in three games to continue his impressive goalscoring record over the course of his career.
Mina averages better than one in 10 domestically and better than one in three for Colombia, with his attacking output almost as appealing as his defensive attributes, with his size and aerial ability valuable in both boxes.
With Barcelona pursuing the signature of Sevilla’s Clement Lenglet, Mina could be pushed down the pecking order – and Goal report that Everton are now close to securing Mina in a €24million (£21million) deal.
It’s claimed that new manager Marco Silva has requested a move for Mina to boost his defence, and director of football Marcel Brands held a meeting with Barcelona on Monday to discuss a move.
A move is now thought to be close, and whilst there is still work to do – and it’s unclear whether Barcelona would have a buy-back clause in the deal – Silva may well get his man if reports are to be believed.
With Ashley Williams and Phil Jagielka ageing and Michael Keane unconvincing last season, Mina would realistically play regularly for Everton – and that may be a deciding factor given that he could be fourth choice for Barcelona if he stays at the Camp Nou.
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