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Everton are set to face competition for the signature of Eder Militao, and this is one race that the Toffees absolutely must win.

What's the story?

According to reports, Manchester United have joined the growing list of suitors for Porto wonderkid Militao.

Reports in September claimed Everton were scouting the versatile 20-year-old, and the Toffees now face competition from both Manchester clubs.

Militao can play as a right back, centre back or defensive midfielder, and bringing the Brazilian to Goodison would be new director of football Marcel Brands’ best signing yet.

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Planning for the future?

Brands and Marco Silva were very busy in the transfer market this summer, and their primary focus was on the defence.

Three-quarters of Everton’s current first-choice backline were signed this summer, with only Seamus Coleman remaining from the old guard.

The skipper has come under some criticism for his recent performances though, and almost exactly half of fans voted to replace the 30-year-old when polled earlier this month.

Militao would be the perfect signing, as the Porto youngster can play in other positions until Coleman is finished, and then slot in at right back. The 6ft 1in Sao Paulo youth product is primarily a right back, but can also play in central defence or even as a defensive midfielder.

He has started 11 games for Porto this season, grabbing one assist and winning over three aerial duels, 1.6 tackles and two interceptions per game.

The one area he will need to improve in order to replace Coleman is going forward, where he hasn’t yet shown the ability to find the right final pass or cross in the attacking third.

Still, at 20 years of age Militao is fast becoming one of the finest defensive prospects in Europe, and Brands deserves a knighthood if he gets the wonderkid to Everton.

So, Everton fans, do you think you will sign Militao? Should he replace Coleman? Let us know your thoughts and vote in the poll below…