Reports: Manchester United and Manchester City set to go head-to-head for Eliaquim Mangala

Eliaquim Mangala of France in action during the international friendly match between France and the Netherlands at Stade de France on March 5, 2014 in Saint-Denis near Paris, France.

Porto centre-back Eliaquim Mangala is set to the subject of a transfer battle between Manchester United and Manchester City after the World Cup, reports the Manchester Evening News.

City tried to bring the powerful defender to the Etihad from Porto in January, in a double-move with midfielder Fernando, who has since signed for the club. Matija Nastasic spent much of last season out with injury, while Martin Demichelis is not considered a long-term option, and Manuel Pellegrini sees Mangala as an ideal partner for Vincent Kompany at the heart of City’s defence.

Manchester United have also been long-term admirers, and had Mangala extensively scouted over the last year. Louis van Gaal wants to strengthen his defensive options following the departure of Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand, and Mangala is one of the players under consideration at Old Trafford.

The highly-rated France international could cost as much as £35 million, and he is excited by the prospect a move to the Premier League this summer.

Chelsea have also been linked with him, and Mangala has previously said he would prefer a move there, because of their London location.

He is thought to favour United out of the two Manchester clubs. Manchester City realise they may be unable to convince him to join, and are also believed to be watching Roma defender Mehdi Benatia as a cheaper alternative.