According to reports in The Chronicle (via L’Equipe), Newcastle United target Eliaquim Mangala has admitted that he is available for transfer this summer as he is surplus to requirements under Pep Guardiola.
Magpies manager Rafa Benitez is desperate to significantly strengthen his squad this summer in order to avoid being involved in a relegation battle in the Premier League next season and he has been using his contacts when targeting new players.
One of the areas he is keen to strengthen at is at centre-back, and the Spaniard has already lined up a move for Hull City star Harry Maguire as he looks to provide more competition for the likes of Jamaal Lascelles, Ciaran Clark and Chancel Mbemba.
Benitez spoke to City sporting director Txiki Begiristain about the French centre-back but the side he spent this season on loan with – Valencia – could also be interested in signing the 26-year-old on a permanent deal during the summer.
Even though he is out of favour at the Etihad Stadium, here are three reasons Newcastle must go all out to sign Mangala this summer…
His pedigree
While things may not have worked out too well for Mangala at Manchester City following his big-money move to the Etihad Stadium in 2014, you don’t cost that much if you don’t have something about you.
As well as his time with City, the 26-year-old has also played for Standard Liege, FC Porto and Valencia on loan this season, as well as picking up eight caps for France.
There is no doubt that with his pedigree his addition to the Magpies backline would be something of a coup, and despite look shaky at times perhaps he just needs a manager that will put his arm around him to boost his confidence again.
His experience
Despite not being fancied by Pep Guardiola when the Spaniard took the reins at City last summer, Mangala still made 64 appearances for the club in his first two seasons before being shipped off on loan to Valencia.
With that Premier League experience – as well as playing almost 50 matches in the Champions League and the Europa League – the 26-year-old could certainly pass on his knowledge to help the likes of Lascelles and Mbemba next term.
His age
At 26 years of age the Frenchman is at a good stage of his career and should be entering his prime.
If he can recapture the form that saw him earn a move to Man City three seasons ago, he would be a great addition and could be a key part of the defence for many years to come.
City would likely have to take a huge loss on the France international if they did decide to sell him on a permanent deal this summer, but it could be a great investment for Newcastle and Rafa Benitez.
Do you agree, Magpies fans? Let us know below.