Former Premier League goalkeeper and Sky Sports pundit Paul Robinson has backed both Abdoulaye Doucoure and Yerry Mina to leave Everton in January.
The Lowdown: Everton want wage bill trimmed
As per Football Insider, a 'source' from Goodison Park has claimed that the Merseyside club are 'keen' on trimming their wage bill, with Doucoure and Mina thought to be on "huge" salaries, among the highest in the squad.
The duo are thought to earn a whopping £120,000-per-week each, which is the joint-highest in the squad along with Alex Iwobi, per FBRef.
The Latest: January exits?
Speaking to Football Insider, Robinson has backed Doucoure and Mina to leave in January, as it would free up room on the wage bill for Frank Lampard to potentially bring in more reinforcements, with both of their contracts set to expire in the summer anyway:
“Mina’s injury record is not good at all.
“Doucoure has been a good player for Everton but given his age and the competition in that area, it might be time for him to move on.
“[Amadou] Onana has been an excellent acquisition. He is only going to get better.
“Frank needs to be given an opportunity to put his own stamp on the team and if that involves players leaving, Doucoure and Mina may make way.
“There has been a slight improvement this year but they are still lacking quality in certain areas. You cannot completely turn it around in one or two transfer windows.
“If Doucoure and Mina offers are accepted, that would free up some room on the wage bill. That may allow Frank to bring in bodies that he wants.”
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The Verdict: Get rid
January presents the only time the Toffees can receive transfer fees for Mina and Doucoure, with their contracts up in a few months.
Thus, they need to cash in on the pair now, at the risk of losing them for free.
Mina has struggled with injury problems throughout his Blues career, and has missed a staggering 55 games in total, while the arrivals of Amadou Onana, Idrissa Gueye and James Garner seem to have pushed Doucoure down the pecking order, with the central midfielder making a mere eight appearances so far this season.
Nonetheless, the extra wages saved could contribute to a significant signing in the window, as Everton look to avoid another relegation battle come the end of the campaign.