Everton transfer news: Yerry Mina's absence from Barcelona training explained as Lyon hint at late deal

Marco Silva wants to add a new central defender but Everton face competition from Lyon to sign the Barcelona man

Barcelona have dismissed suggestions Yerry Mina is trying to force a move away before Thursday's deadline as Lyon emerge as late rivals to Everton for his signature.

The Colombian international was once tipped as a Manchester United transfer target before the Toffees moved ahead in the pursuit of the 23-year-old.

But, in a late twist, Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas claims that Mina is interested in joining the French club and dismissed Everton’s lead in the race to sign him.

“I do not think (this) information is correct,” he wrote on social media in relation to Everton agreeing a deal. “Yeri is still very interested in OL,” he added. “We all wish it to be Lyonnais also to play the Champions League at the GS.”

Reports emerged that Mina was forced to train on his own and was absent from training on Tuesday morning, which added to the speculation that he is leaving Barcelona imminently. However, the Spanish champions released a statement explaining that Mina and Marlon Santos were doing specific individual training.

“Yerry Mina and Marlon Santos did specific exercises away from the main group in what will be the only session on Tuesday,” they said.

“Wednesday brings another double session as the squad continue to prepare for the first official match of the season: the Spanish Super Cup against Sevilla.”

Mina scored twice for Colombia at the World Cup (AFP/Getty Images)

Mina joined Barcelona in January 2018 but has fallen further down the pecking order after Clement Lenglet joined for £32m from Sevilla.

Marco Silva has already added Barcelona’s Lucas Digne (£18m) and Richarlison from Watford (£40m) as he prepares for his first season in charge of the Toffees.

“It is not the best thing to do to wait until the last days but the market is really difficult,” said Silva, who is keen to add a central defender to his squad before Thursday’s 5pm deadline following the departure of Ashley Williams.

“Since the first day if I want to put one central defender in the game we don’t have any. It is one position and it is easy to understand how many we need in that position. We have to sign new players there.”