Young defender was on City’s radar.
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Highly-rated Porto centre-back Eliaquim Mangala has revealed that Manchester City showed some interest in signing him before the end of the summer transfer window, according to Sky Sports.
The 22-year-old has earned rave reviews for his performances with the Portuguese side over the last couple of seasons, and was widely tipped to be on his way out of the club this summer.
The likes of Chelsea, Manchester United and Barcelona were also said to be showing a strong interest in signing Mangala, though City were also keen on him as they desperately searched for a new central defender towards the end of the transfer window.
With injuries to Vincent Kompany and Matija Nastasic, City manager Manuel Pellegrini was keen to bring in some defensive cover, with Real Madrid’s Pepe also thought to be one of his top targets, though he eventually moved to sign Martin Demichelis from Atletico Madrid, who played under the Chilean at Malaga last season.
Mangala revealed that he was also one of City’s targets, though he added that a deal was never close to going through, and that he is happy to have stayed with Porto for now.
“Manchester City were interested a few days ago, but nothing was ever close,” he said.
“I’m a Porto player and I feel good here. I have no problem with this issue.
“I am fine here and focused on what we can do this season.”