Manchester Clubs Compete for Eliaquim Mangala as Porto Defender Remains a Top Target
Eliaquim Mangala, the highly-rated French defender at FC Porto, continues to be a sought-after player, with both Manchester City and Manchester United reportedly keen to secure his signature. Despite staying at Porto after Manchester City failed to land him last summer, Mangala remains firmly on the radar of the Premier League giants.
According to Manchester Evening News, the two Manchester clubs are now in direct competition to bring the 23-year-old centre-back to England. Mangala’s performances at Porto have caught the attention of both Manuel Pellegrini’s City and Louis van Gaal’s United, with the Frenchman considered one of the best defenders in Europe.
However, signing Mangala won’t come easy. Porto’s asking price remains high, and the Portuguese club has previously rebuffed bids for the defender, including a €37 million offer from Manchester City in the past transfer windows. While the price tag may have been too steep for Porto to accept previously, both Manchester clubs are reportedly determined to land the powerful centre-back, who has the potential to strengthen their defensive setups.
City, who had targeted Mangala in the summer, are expected to renew their interest in the player as they look to bolster their defensive options. Meanwhile, United, who have also shown interest in Mangala, may look to pounce if City fail to reach an agreement with Porto.
As the battle for Mangala intensifies, the defender’s future could hinge on whether either Manchester club is willing to meet Porto’s asking price in what promises to be another high-stakes transfer tussle in the Premier League.
