Everton target has agreement with Real Madrid

Conflicting reports emerging from Brazil now say that defender Eder Militao already has an agreement in place with Real Madrid, and that the Spanish side are prepared to pay up to £44.1 million for the versatile young defender.

Earlier this week it was reported that the 21-year-old was looking for a move to the Premier League, and ready to forego any interest from the defending Champions League winners, with Everton, Liverpool and Manchester United all interested in the player who is equally comfortable playing at centrehalf and at right back.

However, now Brazilian media outlet SporTV, a division of conglomerate Globo, are saying that the youngster has already agreed to terms with Real and all that is left to do is finalize a transfer fee between Porto and the Spanish side.

They had also previously reported that with Real ready to pay the eye-watering sum there was little left to do at this point but sign the official paperwork. His official release clause with the side is worth £42.5m, and the contract runs through till 2023.

Militao fits the mould of player that Director of Football Marcel Brands has been bringing in, and with Phil Jagielka likely gone and Seamus Coleman waning, his talents can certainly be used by Everton.

If Kurt Zouma returns to his parent club Chelsea after this season, then the Blues are only left with Michael Keane, Yerry Mina and on-loan Mason Holgate the only central defenders in the squad. Militao himself has indicated that he would prefer to play at centre-back as he feels that is where he would get the most opportunities at international level.

Coleman meanwhile has had a disappointing season so far, and while Jonjoe Kenny has proved to be a reasonable backup, neither has the upside that Militao presents.