Newcastle United are reportedly interested in signing Eliaquim Mangala from Manchester City in the summer transfer window.
Manchester City defender Eliaquim Mangala has revealed to The Shields Gazette that he is available for transfer in the summer.
Mangala has been on the books of City since 2014 and has a contract with the Citizens until June 2019, according to Transfermarkt.co.uk.
The 26-year-old centre-back played on loan for Spanish club Valencia during the 2016-17 campaign after failing to convince City manager Pep Guardiola in pre-season.
As reported by BBC Sport, City had to pay Portuguese giants FC Porto a transfer fee of £32 million in order to sign the France international defender in the summer of 2014.
“I’m fortunate to have spent a month with him (Pep Guardiola), and I can tell you that I have made more progress, especially tactically, in a month with him than in two years at City,” Mangala told The Shields Gazette.
“I want to believe I can convince him. But today I’m on the market. There will be offers this summer.”
Boost for Newcastle United?
Mangala’s comments will be welcomed by Newcastle United, who have been linked with a move for the Frenchman in the summer transfer window.
According to The Daily Mail, Newcastle, who will play in the Premier League next season after winning automatic promotion from the Championship, want to sign Mangala.
Manager Rafael Benitez has reportedly already held talks with City’s Director of Football Txiki Begiristain.
Given that Mangala himself has said that he could be sold by the Premier League giants in the summer, the Magpies will feel confident of securing his services.
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