Out to lunch Manchester United have allowed Chelsea a free run at Porto defender Eliaquim Mangala.

The People says Chelsea have stolen ahead in the race to sign Mangala - with new Manchester United boss David Moyes on holiday.

Now Sir Alex Ferguson has gone and chief executive David Gill is clearing his desk, no one is holding the fort at Old Trafford in the absence of Moyes.

That has given Chelsea the edge as they bid to sign the 22-year-old France defender.

Mangala was tracked by incoming Blues manager Jose Mourinho while he was in charge at Real Madrid. And Mourinho's interest has increased now he is back at Stamford Bridge as he looks to put pressure on centre-backs David Luiz, Gary Cahill, Branislav Ivanovic and John Terry.

Porto want about £30million for Mangala.