Yerry Mina linked with shock Everton January exit and said not to be in future plans

Yerry Mina has been linked with a surprise January exit from Everton.

AC Milan are reportedly interested in making a swoop to provide cover in defence for the second half of the season.

Background

The majority of supporters will agree that Mina has been the Toffees' best centre-back this season when fit.

However, there are strong concerns over his injury record.

This campaign, the centre-back - who arrived from Barcelona for £27 million in the summer of 2018 - has played only six times and hasn't featured in the past seven games because of a hamstring injury.

Mina's absence at the back has certainly been felt. Rafa Benitez's side have failed to win without him and slipped to an embarrassing 4-1 loss to Liverpool in the Merseyside derby.

In total, Mina has made 83 appearances, scoring six goals during his time on Merseyside - but has missed 29 matches.

What's been said

According to AS.com, AC Milan are in the market for a new central defender when the transfer window opens next month to cover the injured Simon Kjaer.

Mina has been identified as one option for the Rossoneri, who sit second in the Serie A table and one point off the summit.

It's reported, via Sport Witness, that the Colombia international is not in Everton's plans moving forward.

Is it likely to happen?

Mina's injury problems are an obvious issue.

His contract expires in the summer of 2023 and there's been much debate about whether he should be handed a new deal or not.

Mina will be one of the top earners at Goodison. Benitez may feel he's not getting true value for money and it could free up wages elsewhere.

However, he would need replacing with someone of a similar ilk.

A permanent departure may make more sense than a loan so funds could be reinvested.