FC Porto defender Eliaquim Mangala is flattered by reports linking him with a summer move to Manchester United, Sky Sports understands.
Mangala, 22, joined the Portuguese Primeira Liga champions from Belgian Pro League side Standard Liege for €6.5 million in August 2011.
According to reports, Manchester United are among a number of clubs keeping tabs on the France Under-21 international as Sir Alex Ferguson looks to bolster his defensive options ahead of next season.
Mangala is flattered by the rumoured nexus between him and Old Trafford, but insisted Porto would have their say in any potential deal.
“I am definitely flattered by the interest of such a big club like Manchester United, any player would be,” the France youth international told Sky Sports.
“I have a contract here until 2016 so even if I want to go, Porto will have their say in the transfer.”
Mangala has scored two goals in 16 competitive appearances for Porto this season.
Obiang attracting BPL interest
U.C. Sampdoria midfielder Pedro Obiang is reportedly attracting interest from several top-flight English clubs, according to the player’s agent.
English Premier League trio Chelsea, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur are all being linked with Obiang, whose current contract at the Stadio Comunale Luigi Ferraris expires in the summer of 2017.
Chelsea and Manchester City have also been keeping tabs on other defensive midfielder enforcers, with the Blues searching for a long-term replacement for Michael Essien while City continue to have an ongoing interest in AS Roma and Italy midfielder Daniele De Rossi.
Despite attracting interest from a bevy of Europe’s top football clubs, Obiang remains happy at Sampdoria, having recently extended his contract for another season.
However, the player’s agent Jose Miguel Gonzalez refused to rule out a summer move for the highly-rated Spain Under-21 international.
“As far as I know, Sampdoria have not received any concrete offers from any club,” Gonzalez told calciomercatoit.
“I know that many teams, including English ones, are interested in the player but he is very good in Genoa and he’s happy.
“We have extended the contract for another season and now he has a four-year contract with Sampdoria.
“We’ll see what happens in the summer.”
Obiang has bagged a team-high five assists, and one goal, in 24 Serie A appearances for La Samp in 2012-13.
Benteke has Internazionale dream
According to Christian Benteke’s agent Eris Kismet, the Aston Villa and Belgium striker would welcome a ‘dream’ move to FC Internazionale Milano, Sky Sports reports.
Kismet also added that Benteke — who joined Aston Villa from Genk for £7 million last summer — could stay at the Birmingham-based club, but only if the club manage to stay in the Premier League.
Benteke has netted 17 goals and eight assists in 33 appearances in all competitions for Aston Villa this season.
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