On summer deadline day, Everton signed Orel Mangala on a season-long loan deal from Lyon.
Earlier in that window, Lyon made the 26-year-old’s stay permanent, after signing him on loan from Nottingham Forest in January.
The midfielder has featured regularly for Everton, making eight league appearances so far.
Foot Mercato state the Merseyside club don’t have an option or obligation to make his stay permanent.
The Belgium international was initially unable to capitalise on the opportunities provided by Sean Dyche. The manager then favoured Idrissa Gueye and Abdoulaye Doucouré in midfield.
Mangala returned to the Toffees’ starting lineup in their last two Premier League games against Southampton and West Ham. He now aims to cement his place at Goodison Park, after impressing in recent fixtures.
The English club have plans to retain the player beyond this season and the report states ‘Everton are rubbing their hands’.
Last week, DNCG, the financial watchdog of the French football, confirmed Lyon will be relegated to Ligue 2 next season and will be banned from making new signings should they not resolve their financial situation.
Foot Mercato state Everton hope to take advantage of Lyon’s mess, to buy Mangala cheaply. There’s no mention of what Dyche’s side could offer for the Belgian.
They add Everton’s decision to not include a purchase option is ‘turning out to be a brilliant idea’.
