Old Trafford side line up summer swoop for FC Porto defender.
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Man United have identified FC Porto defender Eliaquim Mangala as their number one defensive transfer target according to the Daily Star.
Sir Alex Ferguson has made the £20m rated French international his chief target as he looks to find a long term replacement for Rio Ferdinand, who is yet to be offered a new deal with his current contract set to come to an end this summer.
Ferguson must battle the likes of Man City, Tottenham and AC Milan to win the race to sign the French Under 21 international, who is into his second season at the Estadio Dragao, having helped FC Porto to a domestic title last term.
Mangala has really upped his game this term and though his side lie in second spot behind rivals Benfica, FC Porto are unbeaten all season and have conceded just 11 goals in 23 Primeira Liga matches.
With Nemanja Vidic struggling with injuries there is perhaps a renewed pressure to bring in a solid defensive addition when the transfer window re-opens and the fact that midfielder Anderson is wanted by his former FC Porto employers could well make a move for Mangala a more likely prospect.
Prior to his move to Portugal Mangala spent three seasons in Belgium with Standard Liege, winning a host of honours in the process.