Everton, Southampton and West Ham are reportedly keen on Ecuadorian ace Arturo Mina.
Independiente del Valle defender Arturo Mina
According to a report from ESPN, Everton, Southampton and West Ham United are all keen on signing Ecuadorian international defender Arturo Mina this summer.
Mina, 25, has had spells with UTE and Macara in his native Ecuador, before earning a move to Independiente del Valle in 2013, where he has hit five goals in 62 games.
This summer, the 6ft 2in centre back was a part of the Ecuador squad for Copa America, and his displays in the United States appear to have triggered interest in his signature.
ESPN report that three Premier League clubs – Everton, Southampton and West Ham – are all looking to lure Mina to England in something of a surprise move.
Everton will be in the market for at least one central defender this summer, as questions remain over the future of John Stones, whilst Phil Jagielka suffered some injury problems last summer – and having signed Ramiro Funes Mori from River Plate last summer, the Toffees could look to South America for another central defender in Mina.
Meanwhile, Southampton have a strong partnership in Jose Fonte and Virgil van Dijk, but with Maya Yoshida yet to establish himself in the Premier League and Florin Gardos coming off a major injury, Mina could be viewed as valuable cover for new manager Claude Puel.
Finally, West Ham have sold defender James Tomkins to Crystal Palace, and whilst Slaven Bilic does have the likes of Angelo Ogbonna, James Collins and Winston Reid in his ranks, Mina – an international team-mate of West Ham striker Enner Valencia – could replace Tomkins.
Independiente del Valle are reportedly resigned to losing Mina this summer, and with such strong interest from Premier League clubs, centre back Mina could be playing in England next season.
Would you like to see your club sign Mina?