Everton could bring in Barcelona defender Clement Lenglet to replace Yerry Mina, according to reports from Sport.
The report claims the France international has been personally targeted by new manager Rafa Benitez, who has also decided to offload Clement’s former teammate in Mina.
Benitez reportedly wants the France international to “assume the role of leader of the defence,” believing the likes of Ben Godfrey and Mason Holgate to lack experience.
Following further links to Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly – another target Benitez has reportedly asked for personally – the central defensive area looks to be a position being targeted by recruitment chiefs this summer.
Everton fan podcast The Toffee Blues (@EvertonNewsFeed) took to Twitter to deliver an update to Evertonian followers.
Twitter:
Rafa Benítez apparently wants Barcelona Defender, Clément Lenglet to replace Yerry Mina as he has decide to sell t… https://t.co/9v1yGEWvnz (@EvertonNewsFeed)
Lenglet signed a contract extension with Barcelona in October last year, keeping him at the Nou Camp until 2026. His deal contains a release clause that stands at €300 million.
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The profile of both defenders offers a useful insight into the sorts of defender that Benitez wants to bring in.
Everton will not be able to afford to strip their entire back line, but both Lenglet and Koulibaly boast plentiful experience with some of Europe’s most recognisable names.
Plying their respective trades with Barcelona and Napoli, both defenders are experienced in Champions League football.
At 26 however, Lenglet lacks the veteran status that 30-year-old Koulibaly boasts with the latter available for just £35 million.
It is unclear as to what price Barcelona would demand for Lenglet, though the 13-cap international is valued at £22.5 million by Transfermarkt.
Barcelona are keen to offload unwanted players this summer, and Everton could capitalise on Barca’s need to reduce their expenses by acquiring Lenglet for a sub-value rate.
