OPINION
Wolverhampton Wanderers must win the battle to sign Manchester City defender Eliaquim Mangala as he is the final piece in their transfer puzzle.
The Sun report that Serie A outfit Inter Milan will try to land the centre-back on a free transfer free summer, but the report adds that Wolves are also keen to acquire his services.
However, Wolves have just been handed a boost in their quest to sign the 27-year-old, as Mangala has stated that he would prefer to stay in England despite rejecting a £25 million move to Crystal Palace last summer.
They may have the likes of Conor Coady marshalling the defence but a move for Mangala would really be an inspired one for Wolves, as he could provide the cover that could turn them into a genuine side in the Premier League.
Mangala has not played since picking up a knee injury in February so his fitness will no doubt be a bit rusty – but seeming as he is not going to get any first team opportunities at City any time soon, he will certainly be considering a move away from the title champions.
Wolves is the perfect place for him to recapture his form after such a long period on the sidelines and Nuno Espirito Santo will be able to guarantee him a considerable amount of game time.
Mangala has 59 top-flight appearances to his name, as well as 32 Champions League outings and 30 La Liga displays – so it is not like he is short of experience.
This type of experience could help him challenge for a place in the starting XI on a regular basis, and Nuno will no doubt appreciate the knowledge that he can bring to the table.
Spotrac says that he is currently on £100,000-a-week at Manchester City, but if he wants to move to a club who can offer him game time, he will have to settle for lower than that anyway.
Nuno would be onto a blinder if he managed to win the battle for the ace’s signature – especially if he is able to beat the likes of Inter Milan to it.