Manchester City will reportedly look to use Lyon's interest in Eliaquim Mangala to beat Chelsea to the signature of the French club's highly-rated defender Mouctar Diakhaby during the January transfer window.
Chelsea are said to be keen on signing 20-year-old Diakhaby, who was promoted to Lyon's first team last season.
However, according to The Sun, City are aware that Lyon want to sign Mangala, and will look to agree a part-exchange deal at the start of 2018.
Mangala came close to leaving the Etihad Stadium during the summer, but a failed move for West Bromwich Albion centre-back Jonny Evans saw the out-of-favour Frenchman stay in Manchester.
Diakhaby, who is a five-time France Under-21 international, has scored once in six appearances for his Ligue 1 club this season.
