Manchester City will step up their efforts to sign Porto and France defender Eliaquim Mangala.
The 23-year-old, who is yet to play for France at this World Cup, has been monitored by City for the last 18 months.
He is seen as the perfect partner alongside Vincent Kompany and City remain hopeful of his signature, according to the Daily Mail, despite interest from Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona.
City made an effort to sign the Frenchman during the January window, but were put off after being quoted a price of £50m for Mangala and his team-mate Fernando, who arrived at the Etihad last week on a £12m deal.
A new deal for Mangala could cost City around £30m.
With Joleon Lescott now gone and Manuel Pellegrini preferring the ageing Martin Demichelis to Matija Nastasic, the centre of defence is seen as a key area to strengthen.
The defending Premier League champions are also interested in Roma captain Mehdi Benatia, who is keen on a move to Manchester.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments