Thursday, 29th August, 2013
Manchester City will look to beat off competition from a host of European rivals by bidding €45m for FC Porto defender Eliaquim Mangala.
Manchester United, Barcelona and Everton are all credited with having scouted Mangala during last Sunday's win over CS Maritimo.
However, Manchester City have now attempted to steal a march by meeting the Frenchman's release clause, according to L'Equipe.
The need arose after Vincent Kompany was ruled out for a month due to a groin injury he picked up in the season opener against Newcastle United.
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And the loss of their influential centre-back and skipper has prompted a search, which seems to have centred on Mangala, who is under contract at Porto until 2016.
The option to join Manchester City will be beneficial for Mangala, both for his pockets and his international ambitions.
With the World Cup less than a year away, Mangala will be gunning for a place in France's squad, especially as he just has one cap to his name so far.
In addition, the 22-year-old can reasonably expect a four-fold increase to his salary – currently reported to be around €1m.
Mangala made his footballing bones at Standard Liege in Belgium and earned himself a move to Porto in 2011.
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