Manchester City are closing in on a deal for Porto defender Eliaquim Mangala. The Daily Mail says sources in Portugal claim sporting director Txiki Begiristain is in Porto with the remit of watching the highly-rated defender play against Sevilla in the Europa League.
Mangala scored the winner for Luis Castro's side and Begiristain hopes to conclude a deal for the 23-year-old to join ahead of next season before returning to Manchester.
The former Standard Liege man came close to joining the Etihad Stadium club in January, but City's £38million double swoop for the Frenchman and team-mate Fernando collapsed on transfer deadline day.
City, however, remain interested in both and if all goes according to plan for City, Mangala will arrive before the start of next season.
The news will come as a blow to Chelsea, who have also shown a keen interest in Mangala in recent months.
