Eliaquim Mangala

Manchester United and Manchester City have been encouraged to pursue Eliaquim Mangala after the Porto star admitted he is open to move to a bigger club in the summer.

The 22-year-old French international has garnered a reputation as one of the most promising centre-backs around Europe and reports suggest Manchester City were close to securing his services during the last transfer window.

The deal collapsed on deadline day and despite the duo finally staying in Portugal, it is understood that Manuel Pellegrini will renew his efforts to sign Mangala in the summer, as Joleon Lescott's contract expires at the end of the season and Martin Demichelis and Matija Nastasic have failed to prove themselves as consistent partners for Vicent Kompany.

Asked in an interview with French TV station Canal+ about the speculation that he will leave Porto this summer, Mangala said: "Rumours? This is the proof that I am doing my work properly.

"The most important thing for me is continue growing, continue making steps and one year will arrive the moment to go to a big club.

"But I am already in a big club, a club that win European tittles so I can not complain about that. It is normal to want more, but we will see what happens in the future."

Mega-rich French clubs Paris Saint Germain and Monaco have been also linked with the defender in recent months while Manchester United boss David Moyes has earmarked him as a replacement for Nemanja Vidic, who has confirmed he will leave Old Trafford at the end of the season.

Porto signed Mangala in the summer of 2011 for £5.5million and now they are confident of making a substantial profit, as several clubs are considering meeting his £40m release clause.

David moyes