Everton are close to agreeing a loan deal for Manchester City defender Eliaquim Mangala.
Aymeric Laporte’s £57 million arrival at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday has paved the way for his fellow France international to leave the club.
Mangala was previously set to join Newcastle United before the January transfer deadline but is now reportedly set to head to Goodison Park instead.
According to the Mirror, Sam Allardyce is keen to add defensive cover to his team, having seen them struggle in that department in recent weeks.
A loan for Mangala is considered ideal with the centre-back also able to operate at left-back if required, with the Blues lacking options in that department.
Both Leighton Baines and Ramiro Funes Mori are working their way back to fitness while Allardyce conceded Everton had failed to source an established back-up.
It is believed that they will pay a loan fee of around £1m to City in exchange for Mangala’s services until the end of the season with an announcement expected.