Rumour: Chelsea set sights on Fernando and Eliaquim Mangala

Fresh from Monday night’s 1-0 victory over Manchester City at the Etihad, Chelsea could be about to pip their title rivals again by swooping to sign Porto duo Fernando and Eliaquim Mangala. Portuguese newspaper A Bola believe that Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho is keen on making summer moves for the pair, who were both heavily linked with Manchester City during the January transfer window.

On the face of it, Mangala and Fernando may not walk straight into Mourinho’s side, but the pair would add depth to the spine of his squad.

Chelsea signed St Etienne defender Kurt Zouma during the transfer window, before loaning him back to the French side, meaning that a move for 22 year old centre back Mangala would be a surprise. However Mourinho has frequently spoken of the need to build a side for the long term and, should he sign the Frenchman, then he would have that with a pairing of Mangala and Zouma.

Central midfielder Fernando was believed to be the subject of a Manchester City bid during the window, but stayed at Porto when Manuel Pellegrini’s side failed to reach Porto’s valuation. However the midfielder is out of contract in the summer, meaning that the 26 year old is likely to leave Portugal.

Reports had suggested that he has a deal in place to move to City, but Mourinho is said to have identified him as a player that suits his style of play, meaning that he could hijack the deal.

Fernando made 17 tackles during this season’s Champions League – more than any other Porto player.