Chelsea Transfer News: Blues Boosted In £40m-Rated Defender Pursuit

Although the summer transfer window is officially closed that doesn’t stop clubs working hard behind the scenes to prepare for future signings, so we’ll keep you up-to-date with all the latest gossip. Today, Chelsea have received a boost in their pursuit of Eliaquim Mangala.

Chelsea have been boosted in their pursuit of Porto’s Eliaquim Mangala after the £40m-rated defender switched agents to Jorge Mendes, according to the Mirror.

Mangala has become one of the most highly-rated centre-backs in Europe after a superb year with Porto last season, where his commanding display’s at the back helped Paulo Fonseca’s side lift the Portuguese title.

The 22-year-old’s impressive performances have seen him linked with a move to several big clubs in recent months and Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho is reportedly ready to renew his interest in January after failing to lure him to Stamford Bridge in the summer.

The Blues chances of landing the imposing defender have been boosted with the news that Mangala has hired Jorge Mendes – the Portuguese ‘super-agent’ – as his new representative. Mendes also represents Jose Mourinho and has a history of doing deals with Chelsea, so it will certainly be a huge advantage for the west Londoners if and when it comes down to negotiations.

Mangala has been tipped by some to be the long-term replacement for John Terry at the Bridge but the Mirror claim he has a £40m buy out clause in his contract and with Porto unlikely to be willing sellers, Chelsea may have to dig deep if they want to sign the player either in January or next summer.

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