Everton backed to agree £12million Orel Mangala transfer with 'desperate' Lyon

Bryan King has speculated that Everton could sign Orel Mangala permanently from Olympique Lyonnais for £12million.

The ex-Goodison scout believes the "desperate" French club would likely have to accept the Toffees' offer.

It comes after Foot Mercato reported (16 November) that Everton hope to take advantage of Lyon's relegation to Ligue 2 by signing Mangala for a cheap fee.

Mangala is currently on loan at Goodison Park. However, Everton and Lyon did not agree a purchase option or obligation in the loan.

Therefore, King - speaking exclusively to Goodison News - thinks the Toffees are in control of this situation.

"I would think Everton could sign him for as little as £12million," King said.

"He has certainly proven he can be a success in recent weeks. The ball is in Everton's court on this one because Lyon are desperate for money.

"Whatever Everton offer, as long as it is reasonable, Lyon will likely have to accept because Mangala won't want to go back to France and play in the second division."

Everton to sign Orel Mangala for £12million from Olympique Lyonnais?

If the Toffees want to make Mangala's stay at the club permanent it appears as though their path to a transfer couldn't be more straightforward.

As long as they remain in the Premier League, Mangala would no doubt likely prefer to remain at Goodison then head back to Lyon who are in all sorts of trouble.

Meanwhile, Lyon need the money, and would likely accept more or less whatever they are offered.

Therefore, as long as Mangala continues to make an impression, it looks as though his permanent future lies with the Toffees.

In other Everton news, Aaron Ramsdale has sent a message to Jordan Pickford.

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