Rumour: Porto's Eliaquim Mangala stalls on Manchester City deal, amid Manchester United and Chelsea interest

Eliaquim Mangala

Manchester City’s attempts to sign Porto centre-back Eliaquim Mangala have hit a snag, writes the Daily Star.

Manuel Pellegrini is working hard to increase The Sky Blues’ central defensive options next season and is said to have deals in principle in place to sign Porto’s Mangala and Roma’s Mehdi Benatia.

However, due to the Financial Fair Play sanctions imposed on City, they cannot afford both in-demand defenders and are waiting on Mangala to make a decision.

The Daily Star reports that Mangala has yet to commit his future, amid interest from Premier League rivals Manchester United and Chelsea.

City were hoping that the 23-year-old France international would’ve come to a conclusion in light of Les Bleus‘ exit from the World Cup, but Pellegrini is yet to receive a phone call.

To make matters worse, Red Devils boss Louis van Gaal is reported to have stepped up his pursuit of Mangala, as he scours the transfer market for defensive reinforcements.

Mangala is said to favour a move to Stamford Bridge over Manchester, which could prompt Jose Mourinho to hijack City’s deal for the Colombes native.