Newcastle are set to battle it out with Valencia to sign French centre-back Eliaquim Mangala.
According to the Manchester Evening News, City manager Pep Guardiola does not see him as part of his future plans.
The Magpies are reportedly ready to pay the £15m fee to bring the 26-year-old to the North East. Having performed relatively well out on loan during the 2016/17 season at Valencia, Rafa Benitez sees Mangala as the perfect centre-back to partner Jamaal Lascelles next season.
Mangala made 69 interceptions last season and accounted a pass accuracy of 84% – the best from any player at the Spanish club.
Although it may have been a poor season for Valencia – finishing 12th in La Liga – Mangala did well, notably scoring at the Camp Nou.
The MEN report claims that the centre-back will complete a permanent move away from Manchester this summer, whether it will be to Newcastle – we can only find out this summer.
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