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Man out of manchester

Eliaquim Mangala to Valencia: Manchester City face losing defender to La Liga giants this summer

Frenchman will be squeezed out of City squad with expected arrival of Everton ace and Jason Denayer's return from loan

Published: 11:11, 27 Jul 2016
Updated: 11:29, 27 Jul 2016

Manchester City defender Eliaquim Mangala is linked with a move to Valencia

MANCHESTER CITY face losing Eliaquim Mangala to Valencia.

The French defender, 25, blocked a loan move to the La Liga club last season to stay and fight for his place at City.

Eliaquim Mangala could leave Manchester City this summer for Valencia — Eliaquim Mangala could leave Manchester City this summer for ValenciaCredit: Getty Images

Eliaquim Mangala fails to stop Juventus' Mario Mandzukic from scoring — Eliaquim Mangala fails to stop Juventus' Mario Mandzukic from scoringCredit: Getty Images

Eliaquim Mangala challenges Zlatan Ibrahimovic in the Champions League — Eliaquim Mangala challenges Zlatan Ibrahimovic in the Champions LeagueCredit: Getty Images

But now the expected arrival of John Stones, and Jason Denayer's return from Galatasaray is squeezing him out.

Jorge Mendes, Mangala's agent, has close links with Valencia after helping them find new owner Peter Lim.

Mangala has also attracted interest from clubs in Portugal and France.

Eliaquim Mangala is behind Vincent Kompany and Nicolas Otamendi in the Manchester City pecking order. John Stones' arrival will squeeze him out — Eliaquim Mangala is behind Vincent Kompany and Nicolas Otamendi in the Manchester City pecking order. John Stones' arrival will squeeze him outCredit: Getty Images

The former Porto star has not lived up to his £31.9million price tag since his Etihad move in August 2014.

Captain Vincent Kompany and Nicolas Otamendi are both ahead Mangala in the City pecking order.

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Everton centre-back Stones is close to a sensational £50m deal to link up Pep Guardiola.

And once the England defender joins the ranks Mangala will find his game time seriously limited.

Jorge Mendes represents Eliaquim Mangala and has close ties with Valencia — Jorge Mendes represents Eliaquim Mangala and has close ties with ValenciaCredit: Getty Images

Mangala made 33 appearances last season for City and earned a call-up to France's Euro 2016 squad.

Meanwhile, Guardiola has reassured Kompany, 30, over his future at the club.

The City skipper missed much of last season through injury but Guardiola has urged him not to try and rush back too soon from his latest setback.

John Stones is closing in on a sensational £50million move to Manchester City — John Stones is closing in on a sensational £50million move to Manchester CityCredit: Reuters

Eliaquim Mangala was called up to France's Euro 2016 squad this summer — Eliaquim Mangala was called up to France's Euro 2016 squad this summerCredit: Getty Images

He said: "What happened with Vincent Kompany the last two years it was so difficult for him and the team.

“The important thing is not when he’s coming back, it’s to be fit and ready to show he can play one week and one week more. ”

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