On Wednesday it was reported in France and Belgium that Orel Mangala was set to move from Lyon to Everton on loan for the rest of the season.
One of the reports even stated the Premier League club would have a buying option at a figure as high as €40m, but that claimed dropped away somewhat.
Then on Thursday morning it was reported in Italy that Fiorentina, aware Everton hadn’t quite got the move over the line yet, were trying to hijack the transfer.
The player’s agent was said to have spoken to Lyon to try and get them to agree a loan move to La Viola instead of Everton.
Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri now reports Mangala ‘should still sign for Everton’, regardless of the interest from Fiorentina. He says he’s this confirmed and the midfielder will be moving to Goodison park on a straight loan deal.
The claims in Italy continue regarding Fiorentina, but given Tavolieri is Belgian and has good connections with players from the country it would be assumed his information is coming from the Mangala camp.
So Fiorentina can try all they like, but if Mangala and those around say he’s going to Everton then it would be a huge surprise if he doesn’t.
