Everton are poised to abandon their pursuit of Barcelona defender Yerry Mina, believing that he is far too expensive, according to the Liverpool Echo.
The Toffees are refusing to pay over the odds for the Colombia international, and will not be held to ransom with less than a week left of the transfer window.
It had looked likely that Everton would shortly complete the signing of Mina not too long ago, but other parties registering their interest has complicated matters, and Everton are no longer willing to play the waiting game.
Lyon and Manchester United are both said to be interested in doing a deal for the 23-year old centre-back, who scored against England in the World Cup this summer.
The Blues are eyeing alternative defensive reinforcements, with Ben Gibson and Marcos Rojo said to be on the list.
United are reportedly ready to accept £29million for Rojo, while Burnley have had a bid accepted from Middlesbrough for Gibson on Friday, meaning Everton will need to act quickly if they do decide to pursue the 25-year old.
Having sold Ramiro Funes Mori during this window, while also loaning Ashley Williams to Stoke, Everton will certainly need to up their game in terms of defensive recruitment else they risk leaving themselves dangerously short of depth at the back.
With Matthew Pennington expected to be loaned out too, Marco Silva will be left with just three centre-backs: Phil Jagielka, Michael Keane and Mason Holgate.
