Stamford Bridge and Nou Camp sides target FC Porto defender.
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Barcelona are readying a bid for reported Chelsea target Eliaquim Mangala, reports the Express.
Both Barcelona and Chelsea are keen on adding defensive reinforcements to their squads during the remainder of the transfer window, and both sides are interested in signing highly-rated Porto defender Eliaquim Mangala. The France international defender will not be sold on the cheap this summer, with Porto looking for in excess of £30million for his services.
Barcelona are desperate to find the long-term successor to Carles Puyol at centre back, and have failed with bids for Liverpool’s Daniel Agger and Chelsea’s David Luiz, after losing out to PSG in their pursuit of Roma defender Marquinhos. They are interested in the 22-year old defender, as are Chelsea, who want to sign Mangala should they sell David Luiz this summer.
“It’s flattering because Chelsea are a great club and Mourinho is a great coach. I intended to stay in Porto but you never know what will happen in football, especially when big clubs are involved.” Mangala is quoted as saying earlier this summer, after being linked with a move to Chelsea, and Manchester United are also interested in signing him, according to the Mirror.
The Spanish-based side are to end their pursuit in David Luiz to pursue a move for Mangala this summer, who has a release clause of £40million, according to Spanish source Sport. The Blues’ interest in the Frenchman hinges on the future of Luiz, so if Barcelona end their interest, the same will go for Chelsea and Mangala.