Manchester City defender Eliaquim Mangala joins Valencia on loan

Manchester City defender Eliaquim Mangala has joined Valencia on a season-long loan.

The 25-year-old joined City in 2014 for a reported fee of £31.8m, but initially struggled to live up to his price tag at the Etihad Stadium.

However, injuries to City captain Vincent Kompany saw Mangala earn a regular place in the first XI under Manuel Pellegrini, with the France international going on to make 64 appearances for the club.

Mangala is yet to make an appearance under Pep Guardiola this season, though, having fallen down the pecking order following the arrival of John Stones.

The centre-back will now spend the 2016-17 campaign on loan at Valencia, and could make his debut for the club away to Real Betis after the international break.