NEWCASTLE HAVE joined Valencia in the £18m race for Manchester City star Eliaquim Mangala.
The 26-year-old is not wanted by boss Pep Guardiola and City are happy to flog him this summer at a huge loss.
He spent last season on loan at Valencia, who are willing to pay £14m plus add-ons to snap him up permanently.
The Spanish side’s representatives including their sporting director flew into Manchester last week to thrash out a deal.
But Rafa Bentiez is set to make a move for the French defender, after Valencia dithered over his price.
The Toon are also interested in a £10m raid for City midfielder Fernando, 29, making it a double swoop.
An Etihad source said: “Newcastle have shown a keen interest in Mangala, but Valencia are at the table.
“He is being allowed to leave. Valencia don’t want to pay the £20m City want for him though.
“A delegation flew in on Friday made up of the sporting director, general manager and future president.
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“They were here trying to lower the price. Newcastle also want Fernando and are readying a bid for both.”
Valencia had first-option to sign Mangala, but they stalled on the deal and it has since expired.
They would have had to pay £18m for him if they’d activated the purchase clause in his contract, something they weren’t prepared to do.
Los Che were willing to give him a five-year deal if he lowered his £110,000-a-week wages to £85,000.
But the Toon are happy to give him a lucrative contract, as Benitez prepares for their Premier League return.
Ex-Standard Liege star Mangala joined City from Porto on a five-year deal for £31.8m in 2014.
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