Newcastle United have been linked with a move for Everton defender Yerry Mina.
Following the 4-0 thrashing this weekend by Leicester City, the spotlight has turned back on the Magpies’ defence.
It was an awful display at the King Power Stadium. The four goals conceded means Newcastle are now the worst defensive team in the division.
Newcastle’s interest in Sven Botman has again been pushed today. But Jeunes Footeux claim Newcastle are actually battling AC Milan for the services of Mina.
Mina, 27, signed for Everton in the summer of 2018, joining from Barcelona in a deal reportedly worth £27 million.
He has clocked up 84 appearances for the Toffees so far. That is a fairly low return, with the player having struggling with several injuries during his time at the club.
This season he’s made seven appearances, with a persistent hamstring issue limiting him to just one appearance since October 2.
Everton boss Rafa Benitez recently said of the player: “Yerry has been unlucky with injuries in the last two or three years.
“We saw he was fine, he was training well, he was ready. If you told me he had a calf problem then he would not have been totally ready but he was doing everything, he was training really well during the week.
“The problems he has, it is difficult to manage.”
Mina has just 18 month remaining on his contract at Goodison Park.
Next month is therefore a good time for Everton to sell, especially given his concerning injury record.
Jeunes Footeux report Everton could sell for around £17 million.
Yerry Mina transfer would simply be too risky for Newcastle
On his day, Yerry Mina is a fine central defender. He’s tall, strong, quick and can play out from the back.
But the days just don’t come very often for the 38-cap Colombia international.
It is a real shame he struggles to stay fit, as he has the makings of a top player.
Even if Everton were open to accepting a cut-price offer, Newcastle should be steering clear.
Right now, the Magpies need players who are dependable. Players that can come in and hit the ground running, show their quality and be available.
There is simply too much risk attached to signing a player like Mina.
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