According to Eurosport and Mirror, David Moyes, coach of Manchester United has placed FC Porto’s defender Eliaquim Mangala on his list of transfer targets.
According to the reports, David Moyes recently watched the French man in action for his team as they crashed out of the Champions League against Atletico Madrid. United’s scouts have been watching Mangala with keen interest for some months now.
Moyes has been searching for a replacement for his team captain Nemanja Vidic who would be leaving them at the end of this season. His physique and his marking skills make Mangala very suitable for the Premiership.
David Moyes is expected to spend big during the January transfer window and has been linked with several big names. One hurdle in his chase for the French man is that he is cup-tied for the Champions League.
The 22 year old defender’s impressive form would most likely get him a place on the plane to Brazil this summer where he will represent France.
Mangala started his football career at Belgian side Standard Liege at 17 where he spent four years of a blossoming career. He then moved to Porto in 2011 for a fee of €6.5M. He has since established himself as a regular first team player for Porto. He is currently valued at €15 million.
With Chris Smalling’s performance in recent times showing he is not totally ready for the challenge on the big stage and Phil Jones not getting regular play time due to he also not totally ready and his constant romance with injuries, United are in dire need of a solid defender in the mold of Mangala.
In other news Manchester United are said to be planning to make a move for Inter Milan midfielder Fredy Guarin according to reports. The 27 year old Colombian international is seen by Moyes as one who can add the kind of quality that is lacking in United’s midfield.
The versatility of the Columbian international would take a lot of pressure off the fumbling United’s midfield. Manchester United are recently linked to a move for Athletico Madrid’s star Koke.
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