Manchester City have been dealt a blow with the news that Newcastle United have reportedly submitted a bid for transfer target Ferland Mendy.

The Lowdown: City after a left-back?

Pep Guardiola may be eyeing up a new left-back this month or in the summer and Real Madrid defender Mendy has emerged as a potential target in recent weeks.

The 27-year-old could be keen to enjoy a fresh challenge, despite starting 12 times in La Liga this season, and with Joao Cancelo losing his place recently, he could be viewed as someone to provide serious competition for the Portuguese maestro.

A new update suggests that City could struggle to sign Mendy, however, as rival interest emerges from the Premier League.

The Latest: Newcastle make bid for Mendy

According to Foot Mercato [via Sport Witness], Newcastle have 'already submitted a very big offer' for the Madrid man and are 'very interested' in signing him.

It could be that the Magpies are even able to get the better of City financially with the deal, considering their owners are even wealthier, with the Blues again name-checked as an interested party in this most recent report.

The Verdict: Blow for City

Mendy would be a strong signing by City, considering he has 123 appearances to his name for a club of Madrid's stature, not to mention winning two La Liga titles and one Champions League crown.

Missing out would, therefore, be an undoubted blow, although Cancelo will surely recover his best form and find his way back into Guardiola's lineup before too long.

City do certainly look light in that area, however, and if Mendy isn't the man to add depth in that area, an alternative needs to come in during the January or summer transfer window.