Manchester United are ramping up their interest in Porto defender Eliaquim Mangala. The Daily Star Sunday says United have started the search for Rio Ferdinand's successor with Porto's Mangala emerging as a top target.
Ferdinand may have ended his England career but he is hoping to secure a new one-year deal at Old Trafford.
The centre-back hits 35 this year and United know they will need a replacement.
France Under-21 defender Mangala, 22, is a £20million target for the Reds who are tracking him closely.
But they face competition from neighbours Manchester City, Tottenham and AC Milan.
