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Rafa Benitez is set to bolster his defensive ranks by swooping for Eliaquim Mangala - according to reports.

The Spaniard is ready to offer the Manchester City defender a new start in the Premier League and could seal the move in a cut-price deal as Pep Guardiola presses ahead with a clear-out.

The Manchester Evening News reports that Benitez is keen on signing the centre-back who arrived from Porto in August 2011 for £42 million.

But after three years in the North West, the French international has only made 48 appearances for City - spending last season on loan at Valencia.

And Benitez will face competition for Mangala’s signature from Valencia reports the Manchester Evening News but could sign 26-year-old for a ‘fraction’ of the price City originally paid.

The United manager is on the lookout for defensive reinforcements after winning the Championship title and has also been credited with a move for Hull City’s Harry Maguire and Sporting’s Ruben Semedo.

One defender who is nearing the exit door at St James’ Park is Grant Hanley with a host of Championship clubs chasing the Scottish international’s signature. United want to recoup the money they paid Blackburn last summer - a fee of around £5 million.