According to reports in The Express on August 17, Manchester City are willing to sell out-of-favour defender Eliaquim Mangala in order to finance a move for West Bromwich Albion’s Jonny Evans.

The Express says that while Baggies boss Tony Pulis doesn’t want to sell the Northern Ireland international, for whom they have already rejected an £18m bid from City, they could be tempted by an offer of more than £25m.

However, the report adds that Citizens manager Pep Guardiola knows he needs to offload some of his fringe players as well and he could look to move on the likes of Mangala in order to boost his funds to bring Evans to the Etihad.

Considering that the former Manchester United man would ultimately be replacing the French centre-back, it makes even more sense for him to go before the transfer window slams shut next Thursday.

Meanwhile, Newcastle United have started the Premier League season with two defeats and Rafa Benitez will be keen to further strengthen his squad before August draws to a close.

Here are three reasons Newcastle should move to sign the out-of-favour Mangala…

Qualities

The 26-year-old showed the defensive qualities he has during his spell with Valencia last season, where he made 30 La Liga appearances.

The France international made 161 clearances and 69 interceptions, while he successfully won 40 tackles and 45 headed duels.

He also showed his ability to bring the ball out of defence by successfully completing 10 of the 14 take-ons he attempted, and Benitez would be a fan of a centre-back that can be comfortable and composed in possession.

Experience

While he may have struggled to become a regular in the starting line-up for Manchester City, Mangala still made 64 appearances for the club across two seasons before signing for Valencia on a season-long loan deal last term.

Having played for City, the La Liga outfit, FC Porto and Standard Liege during his career, the 26-year-old has plenty of experience in the Premier League and in Europe, while he is also at a great age to still improve before his upcoming peak years.

With new boy Florian Lejeune missing after picking up an injury on the opening day, Newcastle are lacking that know-how at the heart of the defence and signing Mangala would certainly help in that respect.

Transfer deal

The fact that City want to offload the Frenchman before the transfer window slams shut means that Newcastle could sign him for a cut-price fee if they bide the time – something that Rafa Benitez may want to do in order to use his budget wisely.

However, talkSPORT reports that Inter Milan believe they could bring the centre-back to Italy on loan with a view to a permanent deal, and that scenario would likely suit the Magpies even more rather than splashing out on a transfer fee in one go.

Do you agree, Newcastle fans? Let us know below.