Crystal Palace have launched a £23m move for Manchester City defender Eliaquim Mangala, reports BBC Sport.
Pep Guardiola’s side are desperate to offload Mangala before the transfer window closes this evening in a bid to accommodate West Brom defender Jonny Evans.
Mamadou Sakho was earmarked as Palace’s first choice target, but Frank de Boer’s side have been forced to explore alternatives after being priced out of a move by their Premier League rivals.
The Eagles are optimistic a deal can be concluded with City for Mangala but there is still several hurdles to overcome before tonight’s 11pm deadline.
West Brom are also interested in signing Mangala and believe the Frenchman is the ideal candidate to replace Evans, which could complicate matters for City in their pursuit of the former Manchester United defender.
The Baggies aren’t expected to compete with Palace’s £23m offer but City would likely want to push Mangala to the Hawthorns in order to sign Evans.
Mangala spent last season on loan at Valencia after being deemed surplus to requirements by Guardiola. In that time, he made more clearances than any other team-mate in La Liga (156).
