AC Milan interest in Elaquin Mangala intensifies

Per a report at TransferMarketWeb.com, football agent Fabrizio Ferrari recently noted the Italian super club's interest in defender Elaquin Mangala.

The 22-year-old French youth international is plying his trade in Portugal with FC Porto. Ferrari was speaking with MilanNews.it when he made his statement about Mangala.

Read more AC Milan transfer rumours 2013-14.

Manchester City's Marcos Lopes and Parma's Danilo Pereira point towards Portugal's bright national team future

17-year-old attacking midfielder Marcos Lopes entered his name into the Manchester City record book as the youngest ever goalscorer for the first team in a competitive match with his January 2013 FA Cup third round goal versus Watford.

The former Benfica youth product appears to have a bright future at the Eastlands side and thus with Portugal's national football team.



Another Portugal youth footballer to stay focused on is Parma's Danilo Pereira, a 21-year-old box-to-box midfielder. The Bissau, Guinea-Bissau native, currently on loan at Eredivisie side Roda JC Kerkrade, enjoyed a measure of success at the 2011 U-20 World Cup earning a spot on the all-tournament team.



Marcos Lopes videos via Manchester City FC Official YouTube Channel.

Danilo Pereira video via Roda JC Kerkrade Official YouTube Channel.

Lucas Digne international debut 2013?

Left back Lucas Digne, the 19-year-old Lille OSC footballer, is signed with his French club through 2016/17; representing France at several youth levels, the Meaux native appears ready for senior national team duty.

He's capable of moving up into the midfield in a more attacking role from his left-sided defensive position; added versatility is always handy when it comes to the national football team.

Will Digne, an athletically-gifted player, make a French camp in 2013. Will he even appear in a friendly?

Keep focused on this French prospect.

Cristiano Ronaldo talks about "overload" but will play in friendly versus Ecuador

Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal's captain, is determined not to pull out of the 6 February 2013 football friendly with Ecuador, although he noted the recent run of matches.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, the 28-year-old stated, ""I have no specific (physical) problem. There is some overload, but it will not affect my availability," Ronaldo, who turned 28 on Tuesday, told reporters."

Link:
1) The Star Online.com [Star Publications (Malaysia)]

Photo credit:
Courtesy of Ludo20 via Flickr Creative Commons and the Creative Commons License 2.0

Portuguese Primeira Liga 26 January 2013; Benfica jumps in front of Porto

At this juncture, the 2012-13 Primeira Liga title is down to Benfica and Porto.
Both clubs are unbeaten with Benfica three points clear of Porto after a 2-1 take-down of Braga Saturday evening. Benfica claims 13 wins and three draws on the season whilst Porto notches 12 wins and three draws thus far. Proto plays on Monday against Gil Vicente, a club named for a Portuguese playwright.

Braga, the third-place side table wise, now listlessly sit 13 points behind the top-of-the-table.

Benfica saw goals from Eduardo Salvio and Lima in league action today.