Chelsea Prepare £57m January Move to Sign French Duo - Report

Chelsea are considering a double swoop in January as Jose Mourinho is preparing a move in signing Porto centre-back Eliaquim Mangala and Marseille midfielder Giannelli Imbula, according to the Express.

The 22-year-old French international has been in impressive form for the Portuguese side and has been widely tracked by top clubs across the continent, which includes Chelsea's league rivals Manchester United and Manchester City.

Mangala has a £37m release clause on his contract and interested clubs need to match his asking price in order to sign him in the winter transfer window. The west London club have long been monitoring the centre-back and Chelsea have identified the defender as a long-term replacement for John Terry.

Earlier in September, Mangala was flattered with the recent links suggesting that the Etihad outfit are keen on making an approach for his services. However, the defender played down the speculation and admitted that he is happy at Porto.

"I am delighted to continue and progress with Porto. I like the club and I never asked to leave and they were not willing to sell me in the first place. People talk about my valuation as high but it is not me who prices me," Mangala told Sky Sports.

"But it does not affect me, my job is to come and perform at my best on the green surface. Man City is nowadays one of the big clubs in the world so you are always flattered by their interest in you."

Meanwhile, Mourinho is also looking to add Imbula to Chelsea midfield in January. The Stamford Bridge outfit were keen on bringing Juventus star and former United young talent Paul Pogba to the club.

The Express reports that Chelsea have found a cheaper option to Pogba and a bid of £25m in January could see Imbula part with Marseille. The Europa League winners are likely to face competition from Arsenal, but the Blues are confident of beating their London rivals for the French midfielder's signature.

Chelsea are planning a £57m bid to bring both Mangala and Imbula to Stamford Bridge and should they manage to land the French duo in January it is likely to bolster their squad in the mid-season transfer window.