Manchester City centre-back Eliaquim Mangala is firmly in the running to be the next signing made by Newcastle United, according to Football Whispers.
The football site claim that the defender has a good chance of ending his four year spell with the Citizens by heading to St James’ Park.
Football Whispers – which is used by the likes of Sky Sports – gathers transfer rumours from across the globe and calculates the likelihood of them happening out of five, with Mangala rated 3.2 out of five to sign for United.
The 27-year-old – who is on £100,000 a week [Spotrac] – has eight caps for France under his belt, and spent one half of last season on loan at Everton.
OPINION
It is known that boss Rafa Benitez is on the look out for another centre-back to cover the injured Florian Lejeune, and what signing they would make if they were able to land Mangala. Even though he has been on loan at various clubs, he has been a regular starter, and as a result has made a positive impact on their season. The fact that the club have been linked to the services of the France international is a surprise but undoubtedly a good one, and the fans will be hoping that this rumour materialises in to something very quickly. Mangala has vast Premier League experience under his belt having played for both the Toffees and City, and this asset will prove to be hugely valuable in Lejeune’s absence if a move was to be on the cards. He is proven at top-flight level, and is exactly the type of centre-back Benitez should be focusing his attention on.
