Sky Sports have confirmed in the last few moments that Newcastle have indeed made an enquiry to sign Man City centre-back Eliaquim Mangala.
It was reported in the Mirror last night that Newcastle were in talks with City over a potential loan deal, however it’s been suggested tonight by Sky that a potential permanent deal may be on the cards – but only if City reduce their current asking price.
One thing to consider. If it its a loan deal in the end, NUFC will be unable to loan any other players from the Premier League (clubs only allowed two from EPL), meaning we’d have to look abroad if we planned to then bring a striker in on loan.
Breaking: #skysources #nufc make enquiry to #MCFC for Eliquim Mangala. Latest on @SkySportsNews. #SSN #DeadlineDay
— Pete Graves (@PeteGravesSky) January 30, 2018
Understand Newcastle have made an enquiry to Manchester City over the availability of Eliaquim Mangala.
However any bid/agreement is unlikely unless City reduce their asking price. City keen to offload.— Keith Downie (@SkySports_Keith) January 30, 2018
With City confirming the £57m signing of Athletic Bilbao defender Aymeric Laporte today, it seems Mangala is now 5th choice at the Etihad behind Otamendia, Laporte, Stones and Kompany – so you can see why he’d be available.
The 26-year old has made 15 appearances across all competitions this season, with Pep Guardiola recently describing him as a ‘top, top defender’.
We were linked with a move for Mangala over the summer, so it seems Benitez feels he can get something out of the man who joined City for £32m over 3 years ago.
If anything comes of it (don’t hold your breath), could this mean the end of Chancel Mbemba? We shall see..
Guess Rafa has decided on a 6 man back line if we cant get any attacking players!
sickandtired(Quote)
Defenders are cheaper than proven goal scorers ,even at £32m he’s cheaper than most top club strikers but not ours, you could get 6 Joselus for the price of Mangala, but it means we can’t loan any more premier league players if we get him so I would stay away
Giimps(Quote)
I read £32m and Newcastle so knew it couldn’t be true…but on loan maybe..
Defence is not really the issue, it’s someone to retain the ball, and someone to get 15 + goals..
BillytheFish(Quote)
He cost them £32m – he won’t cost us anything like that. Half at most.
Olly Hawkins(Quote)
Rafa must have found a buyer for Mbemba for him too move for a defender at this moment in time . Trouble is without a new striker incoming i fear premiership armegedon is on us.Even if its somebody no one has heard of ,we need a striker with pace and an eye for goal or we may as Well just give up now .
Life is Black and White(Quote)