Official: Real Madrid agree deal to sign Eder Militao

Real Madrid have agreed a deal to sign FC Porto defender Eder Militao, who is also a target for Manchester United, the club announced on Thursday.

Real Madrid have made an official announcement to confirm that they have secured the services of Eder Militao, who will make his way to the Spanish club in the summer transfer window. The FC Porto centre-back, who was also the subject of interest from Manchester United, has signed a six-year deal with Los Blancos.

Eder Militao has made quite an impression since making his first foray into Europe last summer, when he joined FC Porto from Sao Paulo. Having quickly become a mainstay at the back for the Portuguese heavyweights, the player has made a mark with his ability to read the game smartly.

In addition to his defensive acumen, the 21-year-old, like most modern defenders is adept on the ball and is known to be proficient in building up play from the back. His exploits with Porto have also helped Eder to break into the Brazilian National Setup, making his debut last year, while also attracting interest from the likes of Real Madrid and Manchester United.

Real Madrid do have two top class centre-backs in Raphael Varane and captain Sergio Ramos. Beyond the first-choice duo, however, there has been a lack of consistent options to choose from, with Nacho only being a backup, while Jesus Vallejo and Javi Sanchez have their fair share of shortcomings.

To make matters more concerning, both Varane and Ramos have blown hot and cold throughout the campaign. The interest in Eder Militao thus, made a lot of sense, with widespread reports suggesting that Real Madrid were the favourites, ahead of Manchester United, to sign him.

Manchester United, meanwhile, have been known to be in the market for a centre-back since the days of Jose Mourinho. Several defenders from across Europe have been linked with the Premier League giants, largely owing to the inconsistencies of Phil Jones, Eric Bailly and Chris Smalling, meaning a long-term partner for Victor Lindelof needed to be swooped in.

To that end, Eder Militao had been named as a target. But, Manchester United seemed to be likely to finish second best in the race to sign the Brazilian, whose agent Giuliano Bertolucci claimed that Spain was his preferred destination. And, Real Madrid have now prevailed in his pursuit.

Los Blancos have announced that they have reached an agreement with FC Porto on a deal to sign Eder, who will put pen to paper on a six-year contract. They thus, have a player who could be the long-term successor for Sergio Ramos and can also play as a right-back, if needed.

Real Madrid look like they mean business after announcing the return of Zinedine Zidane. As per MARCA, Los Blancos have shelled out €50 million to land him, and it now remains to be seen if Eder Militao can be a top class signing for them, once he makes his way to the Bernabeu in the summer.