Porto to hijack Valencia move for Mangala

Porto have joined the race for Standard Liege defender Eliaquim Mangala, according to L’Equipe.

The highly rated defender has already expressed his desire to leave Standard this season and it looks as though the Belgian club are ready to cash in on their prized asset.

The club chiefs even instructed coach Jose Riga not to play Mangala in the Champions League qualifiers so as not to decrease his value.

La Liga side Valencia were thought to have secured the deal for the France Under-21 defender, but Porto will now try to hijack their bid.

The Dragons have made a formal bid of €5 million for the French defender and are hoping to conclude the deal in the coming days.

The 20-year-old has yet to win his first senior cap, but he has already amassed 12 appearances for France Under-21 side.