Scouting Report: Premier League Clubs Targeting France International

You would have thought that the end of the transfer window would have settled the rumours regarding players splashing the cash to add new faces, but the Daily Star are reporting that a trio of the Premier League big boys will fight it out for Porto centre-back Eliaquim Mangala in January. But who is he?

Standing at 6ft2, Mangala is a full French international. After representing numerous youth sides in France the defender made his name in the Standard Liege academy and would eventually progress into an important first team player for the Belgian club.

He went on to make 100 appearances for the club before making his switch to Porto in 2011 and he has gone on to play 53 games for the club, at the time of writing, and scored eight goals.

Last season was an impressive one for the 22-year-old, both individually and as part of the club. Porto won the Portuguese topflight and also the Portuguese SuperCup, and his personal displays sparked interest from the biggest clubs in Europe, including Barcelona, Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City.

Chelsea don’t look like they need any more bodies in the centre of their defence with John Terry, Gary Cahill and David Luiz all looking to fight for their spot. Manchester United have Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic, Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Jonny Evans all looking to secure their place, so Old Trafford is sorted for centre-backs. City are the team that stand out from the three, as Kompany is proving to injury prone and Lescott’s form continues to be shaky, while Matij Nastasic and Martin Demichelis are both also occupying the doctor’s table.

Who will win the race for the defender’s signature? 

@Del10Fut