Reports are out claiming that Chelsea are confident winning the race for Porto defender Eliaquim Mangala.
The Mirror reported that Mangala – a target for some the top clubs in Europe – has taken a step towards joining Chelsea by hiring Jorge Mendes as his agent.
Portuguese agent Mendes also represents Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho, and has a history of doing deals with the Stamford Bridge club.
The 22 year old French international defender was linked with the west Londoners in the recent summer window, and are reportedly keen to try again in January.
Manchester City considered a bid for the former Standard Liege defender, who has a £40m buyout clause in his contract, in the last transfer window.
They instead bought Martin Demichelis from Atletico Madrid for just £3.5m on deadline day.