Lille in talks to sign Villareal’s centre back Aïssa Mandi | OneFootball

Following Leny Yoro’s (18) exit to Manchester United, Lille have made the recruitment of a new centre back one of their top priorities. According to Foot Mercato, the North side have set their sights on Villareal’s Aïssa Mandi (32) who has only one year remaining on his current deal with the La Liga side.

Lille are advancing slowly on this summer transfer window so far, with only Ethan Mbappé (17), and Ngal’Ayel Mukau (19), and Thomas Meunier (32) joining Les Dogues. While they’re set to face either FC Lugano or José Mourinho’s Fenerbahce in the UEFA Champions League third qualifying round next week, Lille are moving forward to strengthen their backline, which has been thoroughly weakened since Yoro’s transfer to Manchester United. While Bruno Genésio’s side is reportedly interested in West Ham’s Nayef Aguerd (28) and Marseille’s Samuel Gigot (30), Les Dogues are apparently also in talks with a familiar face in Ligue 1.

According to Foot Mercato, Lille are in talks with Mandi over a potential move to the North of France. The Algeria international has been approached by Saudi Arabia’s side Al-Kholood but would reportedly favour a return to France. Last season, the former Stade de Reims centre-back was used sporadically by Villareal’s manager Marcelinho, taking part in 22 games across all competitions. Lille are yet to approach the Spanish outfit for Mandi, whose contract runs until next summer.

GFFN l Grégoire Devaux