Newcastle to continue spending spree with imminent bid for Eliaquim Mangala

Rafael Benitez is interested in bringing Manchester City's Eliaquim Mangala to St. James' Park to bolster his defence ahead of the club's return to the top flight.

Mangala's move to Manchester City from Porto for a mammoth £42 million has not been a success, with the player going out on loan this past season to struggling La Liga side Valencia. 

Guardiola will be overhauling his squad in the summer, and Mangala is not part of the Spaniard's plans for the upcoming season. The City manager is on the hunt for new defenders with Monaco's Benjamin Mendy and Fabinho as well as Juventus' Leonardo Bonucci all being linked to the club. 

Rafael Benitez is said to be a huge fan of Mangala and will look to bring the defender to Newcastle for their return to the Premier League, according to Manchester Evening News.  

The report also stated that Newcastle will have to compete with Valencia, the club Mangala was sent on loan to, as the La Liga side are keen on retaining the services of the Frenchman, given the fact that their poor season will make it hard for them to attract players in the summer transfer window. 

Newcastle have already signed Christian Atsu from Chelsea for £6 million while they are also close to re-signing Crystal Palace midfielder Andros Townsend.