Porto President States He Will Not Sanction Sale Of £45m Rated United Target In January

Porto president Pinto da Costa is adamant centre-back Eder Militao will not be leaving the Portuguese club in the January transfer window.

Manchester United have been linked with a move for the 20-year-old as they look to strengthen their options at the back next month.

However, speaking about Militao’s future, da Costa said the defender will be staying until the summer, and he wants the player to sign a new deal in order to increase his buyout fee:

“Militao will not leave in January. Then let’s see. He has a release clause – but we are trying to negotiate a contract renewal to increase the clause because we want to keep him.”

Porto don’t really have much say in the matter if a club does match his release clause, which is reportedly €50m (£45m). If a new contract increases the required transfer fee that may ward off potential bidders but Militao may have already had his head turned.

Reports in Brazil have suggested that United scouts watched the centre-half play against Portimonense in a 4-1 win earlier this month, with Chelsea and Everton also said to be keen.