Man Utd battling to sign £45m South American star but Liverpool also keen

The January transfer window is open and managers are working hard on strengthening their squads and identifying targets for the summer so we’ll keep you up-to-date with the latest rumours. Today, Man Utd and Liverpool are linked with Eder Militao…

Manchester United are battling Real Madrid over a deal to sign Eder Militao but Liverpool are also showing an interest in the £45m-rated Porto defender, according to the Daily Mail.

Militao came through the youth ranks at Sao Paulo and broke in to the first team in 2017 but he’s really developed in to one of the most exciting young defenders in European football since joining Porto in a £3m deal last summer.

The 21-year-old has produced some excellent performances for the Portuguese giants and he’s also seen his potential acknowledged at international level after making his debut for Brazil against Salvador last September.

Militao’s progress has caught the attention of several top clubs with the Daily Mail claiming that Man Utd are plotting a summer swoop to sign the 6ft 1in defender this summer but are battling Real Madrid for his signature.

United have been in the market for a top class centre-back for some time having missed out on several targets last summer and it seems the Red Devils are now eyeing Militao as they look for an upgrade on the likes of Phil Jones and Chris Smalling.

However, not only are Madrid in the running to sign the South American but the Daily Mail says Liverpool are among a host of other clubs also showing a keen interest so it looks like a transfer battle could ensue over the coming months.

Jurgen Klopp’s side have been solid at the back for much of the season but doubts remain over Dejan Lovren and Joel Matip so Liverpool could be eyeing Militao as a long-term partner for Virgil van Dijk at Anfield.

The Brazilian international is predominantly a centre-back but he’s able to play right-back or even as a holding midfielder so his versatility would be a useful asset for the likes of Man Utd, Liverpool and Real Madrid.

MORE–> Liverpool transfer news | Man Utd transfer news

However, any club who wants to sign Militao will have to act fast in the summer as the Daily Mail says his £45m buy out clause will increase to £70m after July 15th, so it makes sense for United and Liverpool to make their move early if they want to snap him up ahead of Madrid.