Premier League clubs Chelsea and Manchester United have both stepped up their interest to tempt Porto defender Eliaquim Mangala to move to England this summer.
United boss Louis Van Gaal is ready to make Mangala is first signing at Old Trafford, as there is obvious gaps left in his team’s defence due to Vidic and Ferdinand leaving the club.
But Van Gaal knows he wont be the only potential suitor to Mangala’s name, with Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho a known admirer of the Frenchman for some time now.
With Chelsea recieving £50m for David Luiz, the club now have big money to splash out on who Mourinho thinks would help improve Chelsea’s chances of winning the Premier League next season.
Reports suggest that Porto are willing to listen to offers around £36m for their man, which could spark a battle between both United and Chelsea.
Barcelona withdrew their interest in the defender as they believed the price tag placed upon Mangala was too high and will begin searching elsewhere.
By Ollie Brown
