MANCHESTER, England -- France defender Eliaquim Mangala became Manchester Citys most expensive signing of the off-season when he joined the English champions from FC Porto on Monday for a reported fee of 32 million pounds ($54 million). Strengthening Citys defence has been one of the priorities of manager Manuel Pellegrini, with the 23-year-old Mangala set to compete with Argentina international Martin Demichelis to partner Vincent Kompany at centre back. "He is already a fine player but in my opinion, he has all of the mental, physical, technical and tactical attributes to become one of Europes very best defender," said Pellegrini, who already has signed right back Bacary Sagna and goalkeeper Willy Caballero. "Eliaquim is a player I believe will make an immediate impact in the Premier League, thanks to his physicality, his reading of the game and quality on the ball." City didnt disclose the cost of the transfer, but the reported fee would put Mangala on the list of the clubs most expensive players, along with forwards Carlos Tevez, Sergio Aguero and Robinho. Mangala, who has signed a five-year deal, came close to joining City in January but didnt complete a move that was then earmarked for the off-season. He is the sixth recruit since City clinched its second Premier League title in May, after Sagna, Caballero and midfielders Fernando, Frank Lampard and Bruno Zuculini. Mangala was in Frances squad at the World Cup but didnt play a game in the teams run to the quarterfinals. He has made three international appearances and has experience of playing in the Champions League. "City is a top club in Europe," Mangala said. "For me, it was an important step to leave Porto and join Manchester City in order to continue my progress. I want to win titles and I believe I can do this." Citys defence struggled at times last season, especially early in the campaign and when Kompany was out injured. But it largely held firm in the run-in as City won its last five matches to overhaul Liverpool to the championship, and only Chelseas defence conceded fewer in the top division. It is another big return for Porto, the Portuguese club which paid Standard Liege 5.5 million pounds for Mangala in 2011. Art Monk Jersey .com) - Sporting Kansas City announced Thursday that club has signed former on-loan midfielder Jimmy Medranda to a permanent contract from Colombian side Deportivo Pereira. Darrell Green Jersey . Hawkins severely sprained his left ankle while making a diving catch during training camp and went on injured reserve with a designation he could return midway through the season. He was back at practice Wednesday. http://www.cheapredskinsjerseysauthentic.com/ . Jamies number grades given are out of five, with five being the best mark. Marc-Andre Fleury, Penguins (3) - Surrendered a tough first goal against on a deflection through the body short side. Bryce Love Jersey . - John Elways philosophy is to address immediate needs in free agency, even though some of his own veterans may prove too pricey to keep around. Charley Taylor Jersey . - The Carolina Panthers believe Steve Smith lost "top-end" speed, a big reason the franchise parted ways with its all-time leading receiver. MINSK, Belarus -- Defending champion Sweden blanked the Czech Republic 3-0 Sunday to earn the bronze at the ice hockey world championship. Joakim Lindstrom scored early and Simon Hjalmarsson netted another one in the opening period for Sweden to take control. Mikael Backlund rounded off the win with a wrist shot past goaltender Alexander Salak in the third. "We came here to win the gold," Lindstrom said. "That was our goal. But the competition is very, very hard, and all in all it was a pretty good tournament for us." Sweden had to settle for the third-place game after a 3-1 loss to Russia in the semifinals. The Czechs outshot Sweden 29-24 but failed to score for the second straight match after Finland blanked them 3-0 in Saturdays semis. Goaltender Anders Nilsson saved all 24 shots for the shutout.dddddddddddd "Hes been phenomenal, not just tonight, but the whole tournament," Lindstrom said. "From game one, hes been our backbone on this hockey team." The Czechs -- the 2010 champions -- struggled in the preliminary round, recording three losses before recovering to eliminate the United States in the quarterfinals. Veteran forward Jaromir Jagr said after the game it was his last with the national team -- although he will continue playing for his New Jersey Devils next season. "Its not that I would think Im not good enough for it," Jagr said. "But this is a different hockey than I play. My hockey doesnt fit this style." The announcement came a year before the Czech Republic hosts the next worlds. Russia faces Finland in the final later Sunday. 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