Man Utd blow as Real Madrid confirm signing of Porto defender Militao for £45m

MANCHESTER UNITED have lost the race to sign Porto defender Eder Militao after Real Madrid confirmed his £45million transfer.

SunSport exclusively revealed yesterday how the Red Devils were set to be left disappointed after Los Blancos matched the release clause in his contract.

United were desperate to bolster their defence with the 21-year-old ahead of a summer of transition.

But returning Real manager Zinedine Zidane has wasted no time in delving into the market as he looks turn the struggling La Liga side into a force once again.

Confirming the deal with a statement online, Real Madrid wrote: "Real Madrid and Porto have agreed the transfer of the player Eder Militao, who will be linked to the club during the next six seasons, until June 30, 2025."

Militao only arrived from Brazilian club São Paulo last summer, but his assured performances have convinced the Spanish giants to sign him.

Although he debuted as a mobile right-back in Brazil, Militao has since starred for Porto in the centre during 20 league appearances this season, scoring two goals.

He is a product of the celebrated São Paulo academy that produced the likes of Kaka, Cafu, and Oscar before he was signed by Porto for a measly £3million.

United had the option to sign him last summer, but then boss Jose Mourinho opted for Diogo Dalot instead.

Porto wanted the Brazilian to pen a new deal to hike up his release fee, despite having given him a contract until 2023.