Who is Eliaquim Mangala?

As the race to sign Porto centre back Eliaquim Mangala hots up, it seems Chelsea are the Frenchman's preferred option over newly crowned Premier League champions Manchester City with location being the apparent dealbreaker.

Here's a rundown of his key moments so far.

1991: Born in Colombes, France

1996: Family moves to Belgium.

1996: Plays for Athletic Club Lustin, situated in Namur, where his family moved.

2002: Leaves AC Lustin and moves on to C.S. Wépionnais.

2004: After 2 years at C.S. Wépionnais, Mangala moves to Namur.

2006: Joins the IPES Waremme Football School.

2008: Signs for Belgian top flight club Standard Liege.

2008: Tastes silverware early into his Belgian Pro League career, winning the Belgian Super Cup.

2009: Makes debut for France Under-21s against Tunisia.

2009: Scored against Arsenal in Liege's 3-2 home defeat in the Champions League.

2009: Helps his new club to the Belgian Pro League title.

2009: Part of Standard Liege team that retains Belgian Super Cup.

2010: Reaching Quarter finals of the Europa League with Liege.

2011: Forced to withdraw from the French squad to play Slovenia in Euro 2011 Under 21 qualification group match, due to a groin injury.

2011: However did return on 15 November 2011, in a 2013 Under 21s European Championship qualifier, Mangala opened the scoring against Slovakia, France’s main rival in the group.

2011: Scores the first goal in a 2-0 victory over Westerlo in the Belgian Cup final. His last trophy at Standard Liege.

2011: Signs for Portuguese Champions Porto for £5.5 million.

2012: Makes 23rd and final appearance for the French Under 21's on 16 October 2012, France failed to qualify for the 2013 Under 21 European Championships after losing to Norway 4-5 on aggregate.

2012: His move to Portugal provides immediate success, winning Portugal's Primeira Liga in his first full season.

2012: Adds to Portuguese premier league win with the Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira or Portuguese Super Cup with a slender 1-0 win over Académica de Coimbra.

2013: Porto retain the Primeira Liga with Mangala in the side.

2013: Club keeps the Portuguese Super Cup at the Estádio do Dragão by beating Vitória de Guimarães 3-0 in the final.

2013: Received his first cap from France senior squad on 6 June 2013 in a friendly against Uruguay. France lost the game 1-0, Liverpool's Luis Suarez with the only goal.

2014: Porto finish third in Primeira Liga 6 points behind 2nd placed Sporting Lisbon and 13 points behind Champions Benfica.