Newcastle United are ready to step up their interest in Eliaquim Mangala, with a £12m bid expected to be lodged in the coming days according to the Chronicle.
Manchester City look certain to sell the centre-back this summer, with Mangala appearing to be surplus to requirements at the Etihad, with Pep Guardiola planning a major revamp of his squad.
Benitez is believed to have identified the French International as one of his top defensive targets, however the deal won’t be straight forward, with Valencia also keen to sign him. Mangala is believed to have impressed during his season-long loan spell at Valencia last season, with the club in the mix to secure him on a permanent deal.
The La Liga side are believed to have had the option to sign him for £15m this summer, but reports from Spain suggest they are unable to afford such a fee – with Newcastle expected to test the waters with a £12m bid in the next few days.
The former Porto defender signed for Manchester City for a whopping £42m in 2014 and was, at the time, believed to be one of the hottest defensive prospects in world football.
He struggled during his opening season in England, however. Whilst this has left several United fans cautious of such a deal, the powerful centre-half won’t have became a bad defender over night and I would have faith in Benitez’s ability to get him back to his best.
It’s a risky yet ambitious move, but one that could pay dividends. Mangala is believed to be open to a move to Tyneside & his arrival would certainly be a statement of intent this summer.
