Newcastle hold talks with Manchester City over deals for Eliaquim Mangala and Fernando

Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez wants to spend a good portion of his £100 million transfer budget this summer on two Manchester City outcasts, according to the Daily Mail.

Eliaquim Mangala and Fernando Reges both joined City from FC Porto in the summer of 2014 to much hype, but failed to live up to their reputations in England. Mangala has spent the season on loan at Valencia in La Liga, impressing while in Spain, and Fernando has been a bit-part player for Pep Guardiola’s side with just 12 Premier League appearances.

And the two are subject to strong interest from Newcastle, with the Daily Mail reporting that Benitez has already held talks with Manchester City sporting director, Txiki Begiristain, over a double deal for the pair.

Aware of a major exodus at the Etihad this summer, Benitez is keeping his eyes on the availability of several players, but believes 26-year-old defender Mangala and 29-year-old midfielder Fernando would be the easiest to acquire.

No fees are mentioned, but City can expect to take a hit on the money spent on both, especially the £42 million they splashed out for Mangala. It is also unlikely that they will get the £12 million invested in Fernando back, given his reputation as a squad player.

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