Jose Mourinho wants to add yet another star to his illustrious squad…
Chelsea will target a move for FC Porto’s talented French centre-back Eliaquim Mangala when the transfer window reopens in January, reports the Mirror.
While the Portuguese champions want £40m for the powerful stopper, Chelsea think they could acquire him for around half that.
During Jose Mourinho’s first reign as Chelsea boss, he raided Porto for another big money centre-half in Ricardo Carvalho, who went on to form one of the Premier League’s greatest defensive partnerships with John Terry.
Mangala has been heavily linked with a host of top European clubs following a brilliant season last term, where he quickly established himself as one of the most promising defenders in world football.
The rangy defender is defensively solid, but also has the technical attributes to start attacks from the back, and would be comfortable with the ball at his feet, which is an attribute Chelsea boss Mourinho appreciates his centre-backs to have.
Earlier this month Mangala distanced himself from a potential move.
“I am delighted to continue and progress with Porto,” said Mangala.
“I like the club and I never asked to leave and they were not willing to sell me in the first place.”
Mourinho doesn’t seem to trust Brazilian centre-half David Luiz, and used him as part of his League Cup side on Tuesday evening that beat Swindon 2-0. A deal for Mangala could hinge on the Blues offloading Luiz, who will be desperate to play first-team football ahead of next summer’s World Cup.
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