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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.
Show all 11 1 /11World Cup 2014: A World Cup XI of players linked to Premier League clubs World Cup 2014: A World Cup XI of players linked to Premier League clubs GK: Guillermo Ochoa (Free agent – Liverpool) As of July 1, the Mexican goalkeeping hero is a free agent and, according to his agent, over 20 clubs has already enquired about his availability. Ochoa put in an inspired performance against Brazil which alerted the likes of Liverpool, and his contract at French Ligue 2 side Ajaccio has just expired. The Merseyside club have also been linked to another World Cup goalkeeper in the form of Costa Rican penalty shoot-out star Keylor Navas, but the 27-year-old will cost upwards of £6.5 million from Levante.
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World Cup 2014: A World Cup XI of players linked to Premier League clubs RB: Serge Aurier (Toulouse – Arsenal, Tottenham) The Toulouse right-back was a shining light in an otherwise indifferent World Cup campaign for Ivory Coast. While still a raw talent, the 21-year-old looked lively going forward and provided the assists for both of his country’s goals against Japan. His form has seen him linked with a move to Arsenal although it is understood that PSG could beat both Arsenal and Tottenham to his signature.
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World Cup 2014: A World Cup XI of players linked to Premier League clubs CB: Hector Moreno (Espanyol – Tottenham, Manchester United, Hull City) Barring Guillermo Ochoa, Hector Moreno was Mexico’s star turn at the World Cup this year. Before he broke his shinbone against Holland, the 26-year-old was being linked to the likes of Manchester United, Tottenham and Hull City but now faces five months on the sidelines. While a move this summer is now off the cards, it is believed the Espanyol defender has also attracted interest abroad from Barcelona, Inter Milan and Juventus and may make a move in January.
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World Cup 2014: A World Cup XI of players linked to Premier League clubs CB: Raphael Varane (Real Madrid – Chelsea) Varane was signed by Jose Mourinho during his tenure at Real Madrid and it appears the Portuguese wants to bring him to Stamford Bridge this summer. Varane has looked assured alongside Laurent Koscielny at the World Cup, and is still only 21-years-old, which suggests that he could be a long term replacement for John Terry. Indeed, the current England duo of Cahill and Terry at the heart of Chelsea’s defence could well be usurped by a French pair in the not too distant future, with fellow starlet Kurt Zouma also joining Chelsea this summer.
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World Cup 2014: A World Cup XI of players linked to Premier League clubs LB: Daley Blind (Ajax – Manchester United) One of several Holland stars linked with a move to Manchester United this summer following the appointment of Netherlands coach Louis Van Gaal. It is largely acknowledged that United need completely rebuild their back four after the departure of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic, so Blind’s versatility makes him likely option. With Luke Shaw already signed and Thomas Vermaelan seemingly on the way, Blind may be the final piece of a new-look back four at United ahead of their new era under Van Gaal.
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World Cup 2014: A World Cup XI of players linked to Premier League clubs CM: Paul Pogba (Juventus – Chelsea, Manchester United) Having already secured the signing of Cesc Fabregas, Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho is reported to be in the market for a midfield partner to add some steel in the centre of the park. Frenchman Pogba certainly fits the bill for Chelsea, although he won’t come cheap. Juventus rate the former Manchester United youngster at around £60 million and after a string of strong performances in Brazil, including a goal against Nigeria, his price tag is unlikely to drop anytime soon.
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World Cup 2014: A World Cup XI of players linked to Premier League clubs CM: Sami Khedira (Real Madrid - Arsenal, Chelsea) Another option for Chelsea is German defensive-midfielder Sami Khedira, who Mourinho rates highly from his time in the Spanish capital. Arsenal are also looking for a holding midfield player as they struggle to deal injuries to the likes of Aaron Ramsey and Abou Diaby. Khedira has had to settle for substitute appearances when representing Germany of late, but has looked composed on the ball when given his chance at the World Cup finals.
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World Cup 2014: A World Cup XI of players linked to Premier League clubs AMR: Alexis Sanchez (Barcelona – Liverpool, Arsenal) Speculation has linked the Chilean attacker with a move to Liverpool this summer in a player-plus-cash deal for Luis Suarez. Over the last few days, however, Arsenal seem to have moved into pole position with the player preferring a move to London if he was forced to leave Barcelona. It is thought that Barcelona want a quick sale for Sanchez with new manager Luis Enrique keen to reinvest money from player sales to bolster his aging squad, and Sanchez could be one of those sacrificed.
World Cup 2014: A World Cup XI of players linked to Premier League clubs AMC: Arturo Vidal (Juventus – Manchester United, Arsenal) One of the outstanding performers at the World Cup with an excellent domestic record behind him and an growing line of suitors including Real Madrid, Manchester United and Arsenal. The Chilean international has been valued at around £50 million by his club Juventus and it is understood United are willing to offer £48 million for the all-action midfielder. With Manchester United looking to rebuild their side around a strong midfield, Vidal could be the man for Louis van Gaal.
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World Cup 2014: A World Cup XI of players linked to Premier League clubs AML: Angel Di Maria (Real Madrid – Manchester City, Arsenal, Manchester United) The Argentine midfielder reportedly sees his future away from the Bernabeua and a host of English clubs have quickly moved to attain his services. Real Madrid's £40 million asking price may even deter the likes of of Manchester City, whose spending has been capped for breaching Financial Fair Play regulations, but Arsenal are in the market for a marquee signing and Manchester United seem willing to go to any lengths to rebuild their squad this summer.
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World Cup 2014: A World Cup XI of players linked to Premier League clubs ST: Enner Valencia (Pachuca – West Ham, Newcastle, Everton, Leicester City, Arsenal) Enner Valencia, a surprise package at the World Cup for Ecuador, has come from the obscurity of Mexican football to bag himself three group stage goals in impressive fashion. The 25-year-old has attracted attention all over Europe and now a host of clubs are fighting it out for his signature. Newcastle appeared to be favourites to sign hin, but today West Ham have emerged as surprise contenders to sign the striker who boss Sam Allerdyce hopes with spearhead a new generation of attacking football at the club.
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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.
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