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Manchester United need to sign Porto's rock of a defender Eder Militao, and have reportedly made contact with the Brazilian after some intensive scouting sessions according to UOL Esporte.

What's the word, then?

The Red Devils have been putting the building blocks in place to sign the 20-year-old recently, and look set to put their frequent scouting visits to Porto's games to good use with an imminent move for Militao.

It is no secret that Jose Mourinho is desperate for a new centre-back at Old Trafford, having expressed his frustration at Ed Woodward for failing to secure alleged names such as Toby Alderweireld and Harry Maguire. Furthermore, their current options are not good enough, whilst the ones that are have been utilised incorrectly, or barely at all, such as in the case of Eric Bailly.

There is no doubt that Mourinho will want to sign a centre-back either in January or in the summer, and it looks like he has chosen his man in Militao.

Who is Militao and what will he bring to United?

The Brazilian international is enjoying his first season at the Estadio do Dragao, having signed for the Portuguese champions from Sao Paulo back in the summer. The 20-year-old has been a key performer in both the Primeira Liga and the Champions League, scoring a goal and making an assist across his 14 starts.

Militao is extremely strong in the tackle and uses all of his 6' 1" frame to good effect by dominating his aerial duels more often than not. In typical Brazilian fashion, but untypically for his position, the centre-back is a decent dribbler, and often ends up setting his teammates on the attack by driving forward with the ball.

As per the aforementioned article, United have been quoted around £50m for his services if they are to make a move for him next month, or they may be better placed waiting until the summer - his arrival could help £52m man and international teammate Fred settle at Old Trafford after a difficult start to his career on Manchester.