The former Manchester City player is the latest central defender to be linked with a move to Rafa Benitez’s Newcastle United.
Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez
Newcastle United have a new central defensive target, according to the Northern Echo.
The Magpies, who have been strongly linked with a move for Manchester City’s Eliaquim Mangala this week, are reportedly ready to move for the Frenchman’s ex-teammate Florian Lejeune.
Eibar defender Florian Lejeune [left]
Lejeune left City for Spanish side Eibar last summer, and the 26-year-old has impressed in 34 La Liga outings this past season.
Newcastle are said to have already made contact with the Basques, although they could face competition from Premier League rivals Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur for Lejeune, who has an £8.7 million buy-out clause.
While that is considerably cheaper than City’s reported £16 million asking price for Mangala, the France international is significantly more experienced, with Lejeune’s top flight exposure limited before his move to Eibar.
Manchester City defender Eliaquim Mangala
Mangala, on the other hand, has appeared regularly in the Premier League, La Liga and Liga NOS, and 30 times in the Champions League proper.
Should Newcastle United move for Lejeune instead of Mangala?
Newcastle United fans
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