Young defender happy at Porto despite links to bigger clubs.
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Porto defender Eliaquim Mangala admits he is “flattered” by the interest shown in him by so many top clubs this summer, according to Sky Sports.
The 22-year-old is widely regarded as one of the best young centre-backs in the world at the moment, and looked set for a big move in this summer’s transfer window with clubs like Chelsea, Manchester United and Barcelona all said to be showing an interest in his services.
Manchester City were also said to be stepping up their pursuit of him late on as the transfer deadline approached and they underwent a desperate search for defensive additions due to something of an injury crisis in their ranks.
Mangala is said to be valued by his club at around £40m, and the youngster admits that valuation of his abilities is also flattering, though his main focus is to continue to improve his performances with the Portuguese side, who he feels were never likely to sell him this summer.
But he added that he too was not looking to leave, expressing his delight that he stayed with the club.
“I am delighted to continue and progress with Porto,” he said.
“I like the club and I never asked to leave and they were not willing to sell me in the first place.
“People talk about my valuation as high but it is not me who prices me. But it does not affect me, my job is to come and perform at my best on the green surface.
“Man City is nowadays one of the big clubs in the world so you are always flattered by their interest in you.”
It is thought that City will go back in for Mangala in January, though Porto will be keen not to lose more of their best players, having sold both Joao Moutinho and James Rodriguez to Monaco this summer.