Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly made contact over a deal for Eliaquim Mangala.
Manchester City’s Eliaquim Mangala
According to L’Equipe, as translated by Get French Football News, Manchester City defender Eliaquim Mangala has responded well to initial contact from Tottenham Hotspur.
Mangala, 25, was one of Europe’s most highly-rated defenders during his time with Porto, making 95 appearances for the Portuguese giants following a 2011 move from Belgian side Standard Liege.
Manchester City’s Eliaquim Mangala looks dejected
With great pace and power, Mangala was one of the most in-demand defenders on the continent as teams fell in love with his athletic ability – and in 2014, Manchester City splashed out to sign him.
So far, Mangala has endured an error-strewn time in England, and with new City boss not only signing John Stones but also converting Aleksandar Kolarov to play at centre back, Mangala is well down the pecking order at the Etihad Stadium and may now be allowed to leave.
Just days ago, ESPN reported that Tottenham were interested in a shock deal for Mangala, as Mauricio Pochettino looks for possible defensive cover, given that he has just three recognised centre backs – Toby Alderweireld, Jan Vertonghen and Kevin Wimmer.
Newcastle’s Moussa Sissoko in action with Manchester City’s Eliaquim Mangala
The report seemed bizarre at the time, but major French newspaper L’Equipe have reported similar information, that Tottenham are very much considering a move to sign Mangala before Wednesday’s transfer deadline.
It’s claimed that Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino, as translated by Get French Football News, has used contacts in France in order to see whether Mangala would be interested in a move to White Hart Lane, and the player has responded positively.
Manchester City’s Eliaquim Mangala fouls Arsenal’s Alexis Sanchez
That leaves Tottenham plotting a possible loan deal, with Pochettino maybe believing that he can get the best out of Mangala, who was so impressive at Porto before his failed move to City.
With AC Milan, Napoli and Porto also believed to be keen, it remains to be seen whether Tottenham do make a concrete move for Mangala, but more and more reports suggest that the interest from Spurs is real.
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