Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho has reportedly contacted Real Madrid president Florentino Perez over a £70m summer move for defender Eder Militao. As per reports in Spain, Mourinho is aware of the fact that he is likely to lose Jan Vertonghen in the summer with the expiry of the contract of the Belgian international.
The 32-year-old was an unused substitute in the club’s Champions League exit to RB Leipzig and appears to be no closer to signing an extension. The Special One has already started drawing up a list of potential replacements of the veteran defender and Militao is one of the top names in his wishlist.
The Portuguese manager is ready to test the resolve of his former employers with a big offer for the 22-year-old Brazilian international. Militao has endured a torrid debut season at Madrid following his £44m move from Porto last summer.
The 22-year-old has fallen behind Zinedine Zidane’s established centre-back pairing of Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane at the Bernabeu. The dynamic central defender has often been forced to play out of position at right-back when Dani Carvajal was unavailable due to injuries.
In total, he has made just 13 appearances for Los Blancos all season, with a mere seven starts in La Liga.
Tottenham Won’t Give Up Despite Real Madrid’s Clear Stand
Despite that, Madrid are desperate to make a profit on Militao and have reportedly told Mourinho that they’ll let him leave for £70m. Tottenham boss Mourinho is confident that he can convince Real Madrid to lower their asking price for the defender. Spurs are reportedly also eyeing up a move for £22m-rated Rangers star Borna Barisic.
The 27-year-old Croatia international has already featured 43 times this season for club and country, keeping 24 clean sheets. Roma considered a January offer but with Gers unwilling to sell mid-season, they look on course to test the waters again.
Chelsea And Manchester United Wanted Him Too?
Other Premier League giants Chelsea and Manchester United are looking to sign the player as well. He has been a long-term target for the Red Devils. Still, just at 22, the Manchester-based side have wanted him since the time Mourinho was in charge at Old Trafford.
With that being said, they could once again look to sign him this summer. Spurs will want to push through a deal, though their local rivals Chelsea may have other plans. Frank Lampard is also in need of more defensive additions.
His young guns failed to make an impact at the back and there is a need for more reinforcements. Keeping that in mind, a young talent like Militao could do really well for them. The former England international likes giving chances to youngsters and this could be the perfect combination at Stamford Bridge.
Champions League football could be a factor as well. It will be really interesting to see whether Manchester City’s ban from Europe for two years remains or not. If United end up in the Europa League, it might fend off their interest. The player may not want to join them. Only time will tell.
