Manchester City are set to activate Porto centre-back Eliaquim Mangala’s £36.5m release clause, but the defender would prefer a move to rivals Manchester United.
It is understood that Mangala will snub a move to the Etihad as he has told his friends he sees United as a bigger club and serious contenders for next year’s title due to the arrival of Louis Van Gaal.
City have been looking for a centre-back to pair with Vincent Kompany at the heart of the defence, and have made Mangala their top target this summer. But it now appears likely that no deal will be struck as the defender has set his sights elsewhere.
But it seems the Frenchman would prefer a move to City’s rivals, who of which are not particularly keen on the player themselves.
Van Gaal appears to have reservations about the defender’s temperament and is not highly considered in terms of replacing the likes of Vidic and Ferdinand at Old Trafford.
It is also reported that Chelsea would be ready to activate Mangala’s release clause, as it is no secrect that boss Jose Mourinho is an admirer of the player.
By Ollie Brown
