Report: Manchester City defender set to join Napoli on loan

Manchester City players who are not on Pep Guardiola's plans are beginning to find new clubs.

According to reports in Italy, City defender Eliaquim Mangala is closing in on a loan deal to join Serie A contenders Napoli. The former Porto star will join the Gli Azzurri for a season, and a clause is likely to be added to the contract that will allow Napoli to sign Mangala on a permanent deal next summer.

Mangala failed to impress ever since arriving at City in an expensive transfer from Portugal. The Frenchman is a physical monster and was expected to be a force along with Vincent Kompany in the center of the Citizens defense, but he struggled to adapt to the Premier League and became a backup last season.

Guardiola was never interested in keeping the player, who didn't feature in any of the friendlies or official matches so far. Mangala has been training with the squad, but it's clear he wouldn't be picked for any game. With the arrival of John Stones, there is no place for Mangala on the team, and he is allowed to leave.

Napoli are expected to pay Mangala's full wages, which amount to a reported £3 million a year. Quite expensive, but if they want him, good luck!