PSG Interested In Signing One Of Manchester City's Biggest Ever Flops

Manchester City defender Eliaquim Mangala returned to first-team training with the club today, but it's evident that he does not have a future at the club.

Mangala joined City from Porto for a whopping £42 million back in 2014 and it was hoped that he could become Vincent Kompany's regular partner in the City backline.

However, despite a strong debut in which he nullified Diego Costa in a 1-1 draw back in September 2014, it was all downhill for Mangala, who struggled to settle in English football and was regularly culpable for goals conceded by City.

Image: PA

There was no suggestion at all that Mangala would be part of Pep Guardiola's plans and he was subsequently loaned out to Valencia upon the former Barcelona coach's arrival at the Etihad Stadium.

The 25-year old made 31 appearances for Los Che in all competitions, but the club's interest in signing him on a permanent basis cooled. In addition, Lyon registered interest in the centre-back and were said to be close to completing the transfer but ultimately pulled the plug.

But a return to his native France could still be on the cards, as surprisingly, PSG are reportedly keen on Mangala.

Image: PA

France Football say that the French giants, who lost out to Monaco in Ligue One last season, want an extra option at the heart of the defence.

Portuguese international Pepe appeared to be on his way to Paris but a deal stalled and he instead joined Turkish side Besiktas, leaving Unai Emery looking elsewhere for a new centre-back.

According to the report, PSG sporting director Antero Henrique is monitoring Mangala's situation, with PSG somewhat limited when it comes to centre-backs and looking for a rotation option.The club only have captain Thiago Silva, Marquinhos and promising youngster Presnel Kimpembe on their books at the moment.

Image: PA

It's thought that the Parc Des Princes club would rather take Mangala on loan rather than paying the necessary transfer fee to sign him permanently. Even with his stock dropping over the last couple of seasons, City still want to recoup a fair bit of the sum they forked out three years.

Image: PA

Is Mangala a good fit for PSG? Where do you think he will end up this summer?

Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

(h/t City Watch)

Topics: Manchester City, valencia, Football, PSG, Lyon

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

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