7. Eliaquim Mangala – Porto to Manchester City
The Story – The young French international has been one of the most sought after defenders in Europe for the better part of a year, and though he earlier expressed a desire to join either Chelsea or Manchester United as opposed to the champions, the other clubs have moved their interest on elsewhere and he now looks set to join up with City as Manuel Pellegini steps up his chase.
What would he bring? – Strength, recovery pace and a youthful exuberance that would be honed alongside the best mentor any defender could have in the shape of Vincent Kompany. At times he has been likened to an overly energetic doberman in that he will run all day, but more than likely into a patio window, but as he matures that will be channeled in the right way leaving him to live up to that billing as one of the world’s best.
How likely? – 7/10