Newcastle United have reportedly been offered the chance to sign Everton centre-back Yerry Mina in January, with the defender reportedly available for £17m.
What's the story?
The Magpies are likely to invest in January after the completion of their Saudi-backed takeover and will be looking for reinforcements to help push their survival bid.
Eddie Howe's side are currently 19th in the Premier League, having won just one of their 15 top-flight games this term. However, that win came in their most recent match against Burnley and they will look to make themselves a more attractive proposition over the coming weeks before the transfer window opens.
They certainly need additions in the defensive department, conceding 30 league goals already this term, the third-highest tally in the top flight, and a swoop for Mina could be shrewd business.
According to a report from Jeunes Footeux, the Toffees will allow the defender to leave Goodison Park in January should their €20m (£17m) asking price be met. Mina is also entering the final 18 months of his contract, meaning that an imminent sale would be preferred by the Merseyside club.
The Colombian has been limited to just seven league appearances under Rafael Benitez so far this season, although an ongoing thigh problem has been a major reason for his absence. Mina returned to action on Monday night in Everton's 2-1 win over Arsenal after two months out of the team, although the 27-year-old only managed 31 minutes as he had to be withdrawn.
According to SofaScore, the £120k-p/w defender has averaged a 78% pass accuracy and 3.4 clearances per game this season, compared to the 66% pass accuracy and 3.7 clearances per game of Fabian Schär.
It appears that Mina is certainly popular with many associated with Everton, in particular teammate Richarlison, who claimed that the Colombian is the club's "best defender". Furthermore, former Everton defender Michael Ball claimed earlier this season that "when he's fit, he's a monster."
The 27-year-old has shown that he poses a threat in the air, frequently netting with headers and winning at least 2.7 aerial duels per game in every season since moving to Merseyside. Such traits are reminiscent of former Newcastle defender Fabricio Coloccini, who was renowned for being 'strong in the air' during his time on Tyneside.
With Transfermarkt currently valuing Mina at £18m, it could prove a sensible deal for the Magpies if PIF can land a new version of former Magpies and Argentina defender Coloccini. At 6 foot 5, the Colombian is certainly a physical presence and would come to St James' Park with plenty of Premier League experience, having made 73 appearances in the English top flight.
In other news: Howe drops four-word injury update which will leave Newcastle fans buzzing