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Newcastle United are reportedly interested in signing Real Madrid defender Eder Militao and are willing to pay €80 million.
The Magpies have become one of the richest football clubs in the world following their takeover from the Saudi Public Investment Fund last year. Mohamed Bin Salman is desperate to see his team break into England's 'Big six' and Militao is considered an ideal candidate for the Premier League.
His pace and power, along with his defensive expertise, would make him a statement signing for the North East club. The 24-year-old has established himself as a first-team regular at Real Madrid since his 2019 move from FC Porto. He has made 106 appearances for the club so far.
Despite facing fierce competition at centre-back, Militao has made 16 appearances for the Galacticos this season. He also played a crucial role in helping Real Madrid win last season's UEFA Champions League, playing in the final against Liverpool.
Militao's contract runs until June 2025, but Los Blancos will surely be keen to extend his stay and reflect his status as a star at the club.
As per El Nacional, Newcastle are interested in signing him. The Magpies have shown immense progress since their takeover in October 2021 and now sit in the Premier League's top four.
Joe Cole describes Real Madrid star Federico Valverde as one of the best young players in the world
Speaking after Real Madrid's convincing 5-1 victory over Celtic in the Champions League on November 2, Joe Cole was full of praise for Fede Valverde.
The 24-year-old Uruguayan has been in superb form this season, registering eight goals and four assists in 18 games across all competitions. Cole couldn't help but be impressed by the forward after he scored against Celtic.
The former Chelsea and England forward told BT Sport (as per The Mail):
"He's standing right at the top of the tree with Bellingham in the young players, and he's on the verge of becoming the best. He's box-to-box, he scores goals, he's a technician he was the unsung hero in the final, I thought he was outstanding against Liverpool."
He added:
"He drove that team forward, he's a powerful boy, took his goal lovely, and he's one that I earmarked about two years ago. He's found it tough getting into Casemiro, Kroos and Modric, they've been incredible. He's had to wait, bide his time and learn from the greats, take a little bit from everyone's game."
Cole was impressed by Valverde's attacking input this season and compared him to Jude Bellingham, saying:
"His stats this year are unbelievable, his goals, assists, goal involvements, incredible player and we talk a lot about Bellingham in this country, but this kid is every bit as good as Bellingham."
