Report: City in talks with Napoli over Mangala loan deal

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Eliaquim Mangala could be on his way to Italy to revive his career and find regular playing time, as Manchester City considers sending the centre-back out on loan.

Sky Sports reports that talks are ongoing between City and Napoli over a season-long loan move for the French defender, who has yet to appear in a match under new manager Pep Guardiola.

The reported loan deal, however, has since been refuted by Napoli officials, who denied claims from British outlet The Times over a report suggesting an agreement has been reached, according to Gazzetta World.

It was suggested that the transfer would speed up the process of Kalidou Koulibaly's reported transfer to Chelsea. But Napoli is said to be adamant over its decision to retain the 25-year-old defender, who has been linked with a £47.3 million move to Stamford Bridge.

After joining City two years ago, Mangala has struggled to prove he's worth the reported £32-million fee FC Porto received. His role at the Premier League club was put into further doubt with the arrival of John Stones from Everton.