Chelsea and Man Utd free to battle for Porto's Mangala as Barcelona pull plug on £36m move

CHELSEA and Manchester United are set to battle for Porto defender Eliaquim Mangala after Barcelona withdrew from the race to sign the French star.

BATTLE: United and Chelsea are set to bid for Porto star Magala

Mangala is wanted at Old Trafford by new boss Louis Van Gaal as he seeks to rebuild United after their dismal 2013-14 season.

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho is also on the lookout for a defender after David Luiz's £50m switch to Paris Saint-Germain.

The 23-year-old fits the bill for both sides, with his stunning performances at that back for Porto catching the eye of the Premier League giants.

Reports in Italy suggest the Portuguese side are demanding around £36m for the French international, who is currently in Brazil at the World Cup.

That high price has seen Barcelona withdraw their interest in the player, leaving the English heavyweights to battle it our for his signature.

Manchester City were strongly linked with a move earlier this summer, however, their interest has cooled after suggestions the player was not keen on a switch to the Etihad.

Mangala has made 74 appearances and scored nine goals for Porto since his 2011 switch from Standard Liege.v