By Noel Whelan

25th Nov, 2022 | 5:19pm

Pundit issues verdict on Yerry Mina securing £120,000-a-week Everton deal after new twist

Noel Whelan has claimed a new Everton contract for Yerry Mina will be “firmly on the back burner” after he suffered another injury blow.

The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed that under-pressure boss Frank Lampard “just can’t rely” on the 28-year-old amid his “constant” battles for fitness.

Lampard confirmed via club media on Thursday (24 November) that Mina is set to be out for “three to four weeks” after suffering a hamstring problem against Celtic in Australia.

The Colombia international returned from a separate ankle problem in a 4-1 League Cup loss away at Bournemouth earlier this month (8 November).

Mina, who is out of contract at the end of this season, has played just 160 minutes of competitive football this season.

The former Barcelona man, who earns a reported £120,000-a-week at Goodison Park, has been linked with Italian giants Roma in recent weeks.

Whelan told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “He’s not done enough to deserve a new deal.

“He’s been good sporadically, not consistently. And then there are the constant injuries he seems to be having.

“On his day, he can be a fantastic defender. On most days, he looks average.

“But this is a time where Lampard needs senior players like him, and he’s not there. It’s unlucky, but he just can’t rely on Mina.

“I think a contract will be firmly on the back burner after this new injury.”

Everton sit 17th in the Premier League ahead of their return to action against Wolves on 26 December.

The Toffees are just one point clear of the drop zone after 15 games.

In other news, Gabby Agbonlahor claims Everton may be about to accept relegation after Jordan Pickford reveal.