Moyes Hoping To Beat Chelsea + Man City To €46m-Rated French International

The January transfer window may have slammed shut but clubs will still be working hard behind the scenes at identifying targets for the summer, so we’ll bring you all the latest news, gossip and rumours. Today, interest mounts in Porto defender Eliaquim Mangala.

Manchester United boss David Moyes is hoping to beat rivals Chelsea and Manchester City to the signing of Porto centre-back Eliaquim Mangala, according to the Express.

The French international has established himself as a one of the most highly-rated defenders in Europe after some impressive displays at the back since joining Porto from Standard Liege 18 months ago.

Manchester City were strongly linked with the 23-year-old in January with reports suggesting they held talks with Porto over a double deal involving Mangala and team-mate Fernando, but a deal failed to materialise after the Citizens were put off by the Portuguese champions £50m asking price for the pair.

Chelsea were also linked with the defender towards the end of 2013 and the Express claims that the duo will look to renew their interest in the powerful stopper at the end of the season.

However, it appears they will have to fend off stiff competition from Manchester United with the newspaper suggesting that David Moyes hopes to steal a march on his rivals and has dispatched his scouts to watch Mangala in recent weeks, and a bidding war between the three Premier League giants could ensue this summer.

United have endured a torrid season so far and Moyes is expected to be handed a sizeable transfer kitty to revamp his squad with this summer.  Captain Nemanja Vidic has confirmed he’s leaving the club when his contract expires in June, so a new centre-back is likely to be on the agenda and Mangala could be the man to fill the void.

Chelsea recently announced the signing of youngster Kurt Zouma so it remains to be seen how much Jose Mourinho really needs Mangala now, and much could depend on the future of David Luiz. If the Brazilian leaves Stamford Bridge then a move for Mangala could be on the cards.

City are expected to bring in a reliable partner for Vincent Kompany and Mangala would certainly fit the bill, however, the trio will have to dig deep if they want to bring the 6ft 2″ defender to England as he has a €46m (£38m) buy-out clause in his contract and Porto are notoriously difficult to negotiate with.

READ MORE –> Chelsea transfer news | Man Utd transfer news | Man City transfer news

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