Manchester United are reportedly in advanced talks to sign FC Porto centre-back Eder Militao, who is also the subject of interest from Real Madrid.
If a report by Spanish outlet Don Balon is to be believed, Manchester United have Real Madrid for company in their pursuit of Eder Militao. The Premier League heavyweights though, have entered advanced talks with the FC Porto defender, so as to complete a move in the January transfer window.
Eder Militao has burst onto the spotlight since joining FC Porto from Sao Paulo last summer. While he was already being linked with several big name clubs while still in his teens, the move to the Dragao has seen him showcase his abilities on a bigger platform, having become a defensive mainstay for the Portuguese champions.
The player’s exploits in Portuguese Primeira Liga and Champions League have brought forth interest in him once again, with several big name clubs pursuing him for a possible move. But, the two clubs that are showing the most concrete of interests in him are Real Madrid and Manchester United.
Manchester United were heavily linked with a plethora of centre-backs when Jose Mourinho was still at the helm, with their former manager intent on signing a top-class centre-back. The Portuguese may have departed from Old Trafford, but they are still reportedly in the hunt for a central defender, with Eder being one of their top targets.
Real Madrid, on the other hand, do seem to have problems on both ends of the pitch, but have been primarily linked with attacking reinforcements thus far. Defence though, remains a concern for Los Blancos, with reports suggesting that Jose Mourinho will focus on beefing up the backline, if he is appointed at the helm at the Bernabeu.
The appointment of the former Manchester United boss, however, could spell the end of Sergio Ramos at Real Madrid, with the club captain previously clashing with Mourinho. Mourinho though, is eyeing Eder Militao as a possible addition to the squad, with Florentino Perez set to initiate talks with the player.
But, Manchester United are hoping to usurp Real Madrid in pursuit of the 20-year-old, with widespread reports suggesting that they are in advanced negotiation with the player over a possible January move. The latest development comes in the wake of rumours that Eder is unwilling to put pen to paper on a new deal with FC Porto.
The Portuguese champions are intent on bumping the Brazilian’s €50 million release clause, although his reluctance points towards being open to a move to Manchester United. Real Madrid though, will aim to turn the player’s head when they begin talks with him, and it remains to be seen which club prevails in pursuit of the highly rated defender.
