The two European giants want Mangala from Porto.
FC Porto centre-back Eliaquim Mangala has emerged as a transfer target for both Barcelona and Manchester United as the window draws to a close, reports Spanish daily Marca.
Barca still want some sort of defensive cover for Carles Puyol, as the club captain draws towards the end of the 35-year-old’s career at the Nou Camp.
The Catalans have looked into signing Thiago Silva and David Luiz in the past, but with neither coming to fruition, Mangala could be the perfect alternative.
United are in a similar position having failed to sign Ezequiel Garay from Porto’s league rivals Benfica and with an aging pairing of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic at the back, the Premier League champions need to look to the future.
Mangala would certainly act as that with the France international being 22-years-old and beginning to develop into a top-class defender.
The centre-back moved to Portugal from Standard Liege in 2011 and has since gone onto make 50 appearances for Porto – which has included winning two Primeira Liga titles.
Not only that but the Frenchman has already gained vital Champions League experience and could join either the Red Devils or Barca as a ready-made first team recruitment.
The only issue surrounding Mangala would probably be the price, with the Portuguese champions insisting that defender is not for sale and would only leave for the release clause of £41.5m.
It’s unlikely either club would be willing to spend that much on the centre-back, but could send a tempting offer Porto’s way.
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