A host of clubs are battling to land Colombian World Cup star Yerry Mina, and a number of them are from the Premier League.
23-year-old only joined Barcelona in January from Brazilian side Palmeiras – but with few places available in their squad to non-EU players, they are willing to let him leave.
French giants Lyon are hopeful of a deal. but they are battling a string of Premier League clubs who are keen on the giant centre-half – who scored against England in the World Cup finals.
Everton were understood to be interested since before the World Cup, but now they have competition with Wolves, Southampton, Leicester and West Ham all keep close tabs on the situation – whilst Liverpool and Manchester United have also been linked.
Lyon chief Jean-Michel Aulas is hopeful that their offer of Champions League football could tip the balance in their favour.
“If we think about the same player then he told me that he would prefer for us than playing for a club that doesn’t play the Champions League,” he said.
Despite Aulas’s belief, sources close to the player believe he would prefer a move to the Premier League.
Bookmakers believe it is a close call with Everton odds-on favourites to tie up a deal, rated at 1/2 by BetVictor ahead of Lyon at 3/1.