DEADLINE DAY: Man City in race against time to sign Porto pair

Manchester City are facing a race against time to sign Porto centre back Eliaquim Mangala and his team-mate Fernando before the transfer window closes.

The club look to be struggling to complete the £35million deal before Friday’s 11pm deadline , but City are determined to seal the deals no later than this summer.

They have been encouraged by a significant shift in Porto’s position over the last 48 hours after the cash-strapped  Portuguese club indicated they are willing to reduce the asking price if it means having the money in the bank now.

City have been tracking Mangala, 22, for some time knowing the buyout clause in the Frenchman’s contract is £37.8m. Porto value Fernando, 26, at £7m even though the defensive midfielder from Brazil will be a free agent in the summer.

However, it is understood that a joint figure of £35m could be agreed if City are prepared to do business before Friday’s deadline.

The uncertainty over the Mangala deal is believed to be the reason why Joleon Lescott’s future at City has been left in the balance.