Inter could move again for Manchester City defender in January – report

Inter may renew their interest in Manchester City centre-back Eliaquim Mangala during the winter transfer window, Italian news portal Calciomercato.com reports.

Mangala’s agent Jorge Mendes met with Nerazzurri sporting director Walter Sabatini during a book launch on Thursday night and discussed several ideas for January.

Due to financial limits, Inter decided to count on young Belgian defender Zinho Vanheusden as their fourth centre-back for the season rather than sign Mangala, who they were very interested in. However, 18-year-old Vanheusden has suffered a cruciate ligament injury and will be out of action long-term.

This may force Inter back into the market and they are hoping for a low cost deal, preferably a loan. Mangala has played just 19 minutes of Premier League football for City this season after the club tried to sell him to make space for West Brom skipper Jonny Evans.

Mangala rejected approaches from Spartak Moscow, Stoke and, finally, Crystal Palace, who made a generous bid of £23million for him, and prioritised a move to Inter. In the end, he remained at City, where even in the absence of club captain Vincent Kompany he has seen precious little game time.

To sanction a sale or loan for Mangala in January, City would need a replacement, and could perhaps make another move for Evans if Pep Guardiola decides to bolster his squad. However, with a long-term injury to Benjamin Mendy, a new left-back may now become the top priority for the winter market.