Man City’s Mangala deal would hasten bidding war for Richards

With news that Manchester City are finally closing in on long-term transfer target Elaquim Mangala, the French defender’s much-anticipated arrival could bring another player’s Etihad stay closer to its conclusion.

The Daily Star reports that days after tying up a deal for Porto midfielder Fernando, the Portuguese champions have now accepted a whopping £32m bid for Mangala.

Perceived interest from Chelsea is thought to be the only stumbling block to the transfer going through, but so far no rival bid is thought to have been launched.

Mangala, 22, is currently on World Cup duty with France – who are priced up at 15/8 to beat Germany in their quarter final – though the Porto man is yet to play a minute for Didier Deschamps thus far.

Still, the fact Mangala is behind others in an extremely talented pool of French centre-backs won’t stop the powerhouse defender making a splash in the Premier League next season.

However, if the Colombes native does indeed touch down at City, it will become increasingly likely to usher another of the champions’ defenders out of the door.

Micah Richards has been part of the City first-team since 2005 but a mixture of injuries and Manuel Pellegrin’s preference for other players has seen the England international slip down the pecking order.

Bacary Sagna’s arrival from Arsenal will only add to City’s defender-jam.

At 26, the player himself has been making noises this season that he requires a new challenge in his career and there should be no shortage of potential suitors.

Liverpool is one destination which has been mooted on several occasions, as Glen Johnson is entering the final year of his contract while Newcastle are also in need of a new right-back if rumours are to be believed.

Reports say Mathieu Debuchy wants out, with the Gunners receptive to a deal, so Richards would be the perfect replacement.

Tottenham have also shown an interest.

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