Newcastle United have been linked with a move for Eliaquim Mangala. The Magpies should turn their attention to the other Valencia defender instead.
Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez
According to reports from The Sun, Newcastle United manager, Rafael Benitez, is looking to sign Manchester City flop, Eliaquim Mangala, who is currently on loan at Valencia.
Newcastle United owner, Mike Ashley, has publicly backed his manager and has promised the Spaniard a transfer war-chest, thought to be in the region of £100 million, in the summer to sign players of his choice.
Obviously, it will be difficult for Benitez to lure top level players to Newcastle at this moment, but that should not prevent him from showing ambition in the transfer market.
Mangala struggled horribly in the Premier League before he was loaned out. Bringing him back to England again would be all but a huge gamble. Instead, Benitez should focus on signing the other Valencia defender, who would be a cheaper alternative than the Frenchman.
Enter the frame, Ezequiel Garay.
Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez
The 30-year-old Argentine is a highly experienced defender who has earned success with clubs like Real Madrid, Benfica and Zenit St. Petersburg in his career.
This season he has made 26 La Liga appearances and scored four goals for Los Che. He has made 1.3 tackles, 2.2 interceptions and 5.3 clearances per game for the La Liga side, according to whoscored.com.
Garay, who joined Valencia for a fee of nearly £17m (€20m, according to AS) is a very good ball playing defender who loves to build an attack from the back. He is also good at taking set-pieces, something we generally do not associate with a defender.
Valencia are on a downward spiral, and the club could be willing to sell some of their aged players if the price is right. They could cash in on Garay who should not cost more than £10-£12 million.
He would be a terrific addition to the Newcastle squad, and Benitez should try his luck in bringing the Argentine to the Premier League.
General view outside St James’ Park
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