Manchester United have reportedly been told to cough up £44.7 million to land FC Porto defender Eder Militao, who is also a target for Chelsea
According to a report by The Sun, Manchester United have turned their attention towards FC Porto defender Eder Militao. The Brazilian centre-back, who is also the subject of interest from Chelsea, will cost £44.7 million, with the Red Devils weighing up a move in the January transfer window.
Eder Militao only joined FC Porto from Brazilian outfit Sau Paulo this past summer, and has quickly established himself as a key figure for the Portuguese giants. In all, the 20-year-old has made 16 appearances across all competitions for the Dragoes, with his reputation burgeoning with each passing performance.
Militao’s progress at Estadio do Dragao has seen the interest in him resurface, with the player previously being pursued by a number of top clubs across Europe, including Chelsea. The latest club to have emerged in the chase for the Brazilian centre-back are Manchester United.
Manchester United’s pursuit of a centre-back has been all too well known for several months now. But, after failing to secure the services of a top class central defender in the summer, the Premier League heavyweights are set to return to the transfer market in the January transfer window.
To that end, Manchester United have been linked with a number of centre-backs, with Kalidou Koulibaly believed to be their priority. But, the Senegalese superstar will possibly be sold by Napoli for a world record sum, which is forcing the Red Devils to identify possible alternatives.
As a result, Eder Militao has emerged as a viable target for Manchester United, although he will be yet another defender with potential, when Jose Mourinho has been asking for an experienced head. Chelsea, on the other hand, could be back for the 20-year-old in January, with the futures of Andreas Christensen and Gary Cahill being uncertain.
Should the duo end up departing from Stamford Bridge, Maurizio Sarri will have Antonio Rudiger and David Luiz as the only centre-backs at his disposal. But, while Eder Militao could be an ideal target, both Chelsea and Manchester United will only be able to land him if they shell out his £44.7 million release clause.
Another stumbling block in the Premier League heavyweights’ pursuit of the player is the fact that he is admittedly content at FC Porto. Chelsea and Manchester United could thus, face an uphill task to convince the youngster to move away from the Dragao just six months after moving to Portugal.
As things stand, the possibility of signing Eder Militao looks remote for both Chelsea and Manchester United. It now remains to be seen if they can persuade the player to leave FC Porto, or if they are forced to turn their attention elsewhere.
