Everton and Brighton race for Brazilian defender – €14m deal now available

Brighton leading the race for Atlético Mineiro's 18-year-old centre-back Vitão with a reported €14m offer expected in January; Everton also interested.

Brighton and Everton are both tracking Atlético Mineiro's 18-year-old defender Vitão, with the Seagulls appearing to have moved furthest in their pursuit. Brighton have already sent scouts to watch him in person and are preparing an offer around €14m (£11.7m) to bring him to England in January.

Vitão, who only broke into Atlético's first team earlier this year, has already made 18 senior appearances and scored once this season. However, his development was recently interrupted when he was sent off against Grêmio after VAR upgraded a yellow card to red. Despite that setback, Brighton were sufficiently impressed to move towards making a formal bid.

Everton's interest is confirmed but they have not yet reached the stage of preparing an offer. Real Madrid are also monitoring the Brazilian, though without making any formal approach. Atlético's contract negotiations with Vitão have stalled in recent weeks, though his current deal runs until December 2028 with a €20m release clause for foreign clubs—€6m more than Brighton's reported offer.

The club holds 80% of his economic rights, with the remaining 20% belonging to the player and his representatives.