Agent plays down talk of Bundesliga star’s move to Crystal Palace or West Ham United

The agent of VFB Stuttgart star Orel Mangala has cast doubt over a potential move to Premier League rivals Crystal Palace and West Ham United.

The Belgian international midfielder has become a key player for the Bundesliga outfit since joining them in a £1.6million deal in July 2017.

After spending time out on loan at Hamburg during the 2018/19 season, Mangala has been a consistent presence in the Stuttgart midfield as he made almost 90 appearances over the last three years.

His form throughout last season brought a maiden senior call-up to the Belgian squad and he made his debut as a substitute in a 2-2 draw against the Republic of Ireland in March this year.

West Ham, Palace and Premier League newcomers Nottingham Forest have all been linked with a move for the midfielder and a £13million price tag has been suggested in the media in Germany.

Despite uncertainty surrounding his client’s future, Mangala’s agent Mehmet Eser believes the midfielder could remain in Stuttgart and revealed his positive relationship with the club and their staff.

He told German outlet SWR Sport: “Orel can imagine staying in Stuttgart. VfB have a strong team that can attack next season.

“There are clubs that want to sign him. But you have to respect the contract at Stuttgart (which expires in 2024).

“If VfB are ready to sell him, then we have to talk. We’ve always been treated well here by the presidency and the coaching staff.”

Eser also confirmed that any decision over Mangala’s future would be influenced by the upcoming World Cup Finals in Qatar.

The midfielder will hope to gain regular first-team football, whether that is with Stuttgart or any potential suitor elsewhere.

“Orel needs playing time. The World Cup is his goal,” he explained.

“For the next step, the perspective of the project must be right. The money is secondary.”