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Porto star Eliaquim Mangala flattered by Manchester City interest
PORTO defender Eliaquim Mangala has admitted he was left 'flattered' by interest from Manchester City this summer.
City boss Manuel Pellegrini was on the lookout for cover at centre-back towards the end of the transfer window, after injuries to captain Vincent Kompany and Matija Nastasic.
Pellegrini considered a late move for Mangala, but City were put off by the 22-year-old's £30million valuation.
Instead the Citizens landed a cheaper alternative in £3.5m Martin Demichelis from Atletico Madrid, but he has been ruled out for six weeks with a knee injury.
And with initial target Mangala admitting he would be keen on a move to the Eithad Stadium, City could be set to return with a big-money offer in January.
"Man City is nowadays one of the big clubs in the world so you are always flattered by their interest in you," Mangala told Sky Sports.
"[But] 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. But it does not affect me, my job is to come and perform at my best on the green surface."
Mangala has a release clause worth a reported £38m, but City are only thought to be willing to splash £30m on securing the French international.
Manchester United manager David Moyes and Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho have also been credited with an interest in the former Standard Liege defender, but Pellegrini has piqued the interest of Mangala.