Newcastle United are targeting Manchester City’s Eliaquim Mangala which could be good news for Celtic’s chances of keeping Jozo Simunovic. Is it the right move?
Celtic’s Jozo Simunovic
Newcastle United were last week linked with raiding Celtic for talented defender Jozo Simunovic, by The Mail.
Toon boss Rafa Benitez has since been granted permission by owner Mike Ashley to ‘spend every penny the club generates’; a bright sign for their summer ahead.
While this may sound like an ominous sign for Celtic, subsequent developments suggest it may actually be a boost with a big budget seeing Newcastle switch priorities.
The Mail report Newcastle have made an approach to Manchester City over signing France defender Eliaquim Mangala, who has spent the season on loan at Benitez’s former club Valencia.
Manchester City’s Eliaquim Mangala
Mangala would be more expensive than Simunovic, and it could turn out to be a more risky move.
The Frenchman struggled in the Premier League at Manchester City for two seasons, and is surplus to requirements at The Etihad for a reason.
Simunovic on the other hand is full of confidence after a terrific campaign in Scotland, and not haunted by any previous spells in England.
Celtic’s Jozo Simunovic in action with Rangers’ Barrie McKay
The 22-year-old has represented Croatia at every level through to under-21, and is a future senior international, earning a call-up recently although not yet making his debut.
Newcastle would be buying low on a player who could be worth twice the price after one successful season in the Premier League.
Already in his short career, Simunovic has picked up five league titles, three in Croatia and two in Scotland. Newcastle would be signing a winner, and he would not come with pressure like Mangala.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
