Football
Peter O'Rourke, Transfer correspondent 8y

Ecuador's Arturo Mina targeted by Premier League trio - sources

Everton, Southampton and West Ham United are chasing Ecuador defender Arturo Mina, sources in South America have told ESPN FC.

The Premier League trio have been alerted to Mina's talents after he impressed for both his club and national side over the last 12 months.

Mina currently plays in his native Ecuador for Independiente del Valle and he has had an instrumental role in helping the club reach the semifinals of the Copa Libertadores this season, including an outstanding performance in the notable win over holders River Plate.

The powerful central defender has also established himself as a key member of the Ecuador national team and was an ever-present in the side as they reached the quarterfinals of this summer's Copa America in the U.S.

The 25-year-old's performances have brought him onto the radar of a number of European clubs and Everton, Southampton and West Ham are ready to lure him to the Premier League.

Everton are in the market for a new central defender this summer as doubts continue to surround the long-term future of John Stones at Everton and Mina is thought to be on new Toffees boss Ronald Koeman's wanted list.

West Ham are also looking for defensive reinforcements after allowing James Tomkins leave for Crystal Palace earlier this summer and they already have Mina's Ecuador teammate Enner Valencia among their ranks.

New Southampton Claude Puel is keen to strengthen his squad after replacing Koeman at St Mary's and is also in the hunt for Mina.

Independiente del Valle are resigned to losing Mina once their participation in the Copa Libertadores is over and the Ecuador club are bracing themselves for bids for their prize asset.

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