Manchester City 'to use Eliaquim Mangala to sign Mouctar Diakhaby'

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.