Report: Everton to have option to buy Eliaquim Mangala this summer

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Everton are reportedly closing in on a deal to sign Manchester City defender Eliaquim Mangala.

According to a report from the Daily Mail’s live transfer feed (31st January 2018; 15:00), Everton are closing in on a deal to sign Manchester City defender Eliaquim Mangala on loan, and there will be an option in the move that will allow the Toffees to make the deal permanent at the end of the season.

Sam Allardyce has caught many Everton fans off-guard by making a deadline day move for the French defender as he looks to give his backline more depth heading into the latter months of the season.

And the Mail reports that they will not only be signing the centre-back on loan for the rest of the campaign, but, if the deal goes through, they may also be able to make the signing permanent in the summer.

Given Mangala’s reputation, it is unlikely that many Everton fans will be particularly excited about the prospect of the 26-year-old arriving at Goodison Park, let alone the idea of signing the defender on a permanent basis at the end of the season.

Mangala has struggled to prove that he can be relied upon and does seem to often have a mistake lurking up his sleeve, but perhaps Allardyce senses that he will be able to prove himself if he can enjoy a run of games in the Toffees side.

And perhaps having that opportunity to earn a permanent Everton move will help bring the best out of Mangala during the coming months. He certainly has a lot to prove if he wants to win the Toffees fans over.