Liverpool set to join Manchester United in race to sign 20-year-old Porto star

Portuguese reports (h/t Mirror) claim that Liverpool have joined the race to sign 20-year-old defender Eder Militao.

The Brazilian moved from South America to Europe this season and has impressed for Porto at the back. The youngster can play as a centre-back and a right-back, and the report adds that Manchester United are keeping tabs on the defender.

The report adds that the defender is available for a cut-price fee of £42.5million due to a release clause but Porto want Militao to sign a new deal at the club and hike his release clause.

There are several clubs interested in the rising star with Borussia Dortmund, Manchester City, AS Roma and Barcelona tracking the Brazilian (h/t Mirror).

The Reds have their own defensive problems this season with Joel Matip and Joe Gomez out with fractures till January.

Liverpool are to their bare-bones when it comes to fit senior centre-backs, and we could do with some quality signings for the second half of the season.

Injuries to some stars have also seen James Milner fill in as a full-back. The Reds lead the Premier League at the moment, and we could do with some fresh faces in January.

Jurgen Klopp is not known for spending big in the winter window, and Militao’s price seems to be a little steep given he only moved to Europe this season.

Read more: “This kid is something else”, “Wand of a left foot” – Some Liverpool fans go crazy as on-loan youngster does ‘it’ again

Liverpool could do with another centre-back just for cover, and it will be interesting to track our movement in the January window.