Everton are said to be "confident" of completing a loan deal for Manchester City defender Eliaquim Mangala before the transfer window closes this evening.

The 26-year-old has been at the Etihad since 2014 but has been used sparingly by Pep Guardiola this term, having been handed just four starts in the Premier League.

According to Sky Sports News, Mangala has been told that he can leave City on loan this month following the club-record arrival of Aymeric Laporte and the Toffees are now in pole position for his signature.

Sam Allardyce's side are expected to put the player through a medical today and complete the necessary paperwork to make Mangala their third signing of the month, following on from the arrivals of Cenk Tosun and Theo Walcott.

Newcastle United and West Ham United had also been linked with Mangala's signature in recent weeks.