Premier League giants to battle for Frenchman Mangala

According to the recent reports from the Daily Star, the two English heavyweights – Chelsea and Manchester United are in battle to secure the services of Porto’s defender Eliaquim Mangala after Barcelona withdrew from the race for his signature.

The 23-year-old centre-back is one of the most popular figure in this summer’s transfer window. He is hoping to leave Portuguese Primeira Liga this summer after showing an interest in playing highest level of football.

The report claims that Spanish giants Barcelona have dropped their interest in the French international after the Portuguese side demanding around hefty £36m.

Mangala has recently insisted that he would favour a move to Chelsea over the another English club and it is understood that Mourinho is desperately looking for a new defender after David Luiz’s £50m switch to PSG.

Meanwhile Manchester United new boss Louis Van Gaal is keen to rebuild United squad ahead of next season and Mangala can be seen as the ideal option at Old Trafford, who is currently on international duty at the World Cup 2014 in Brazil.

Mangala joined Porto from Standard Liege in 2011, since then he has made 74 appearances and scored nine goals for the club and won two Primeira Liga title in 2011–12, 2012–13.