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Eliaquim Mangala was furious when Manchester City revealed they wanted to loan him to Valencia as part of the deal that brought Nicolas Otamendi to the Etihad.

Defender Mangala, a £32m signing from Porto just a year ago, was stunned to discover City were planning to send him to Spain - just hours after an outstanding performance against Chelsea last week.

The 24-year-old Frenchman refused to go, and received the full backing of the Blues' manager Manuel Pellegrini.

Now, the Etihad hierarchy are looking to send promising young Belgium international Jason Denayer out on loan for another season because the arrival of Argentinian Otamendi means Pellegrini has five centre-backs.

Sunday Mirror Sport TWICE asked the City boss whether the club wanted Mangala to go to Valencia – and both times he refused to answer.

(Image: PA)

“I don’t talk abut rumours,” said Pellegrini. “I think it doesn’t matter.

“I think that Mangala wanted to stay, I wanted him to stay, and he’s here. I don’t deny it, but I’m not saying it’s true, I’m not saying nothing about that. Maybe you know more than me.”

Pellegrini has insisted that France international Mangala will not make way for Otamendi when City face Everton at Goodison on Sunday.

Mangala endured a difficult first season in the Premier League, but has been excellent as City have opened the new campaign with 3-0 victories over West Brom and champions Chelsea.

Denayer, 20, was promised first-team action when he returned to the club after a successful loan spell at Celtic but he now looks set to spend another season away from the Etihad - with French side Marseille interested.