Man United have been in touch with Benfica over the possible signing of Antonio Silva.
Over the last fortnight, Manchester United have started to be heavily linked with a new centre-back signing this summer. It’s no surprise given Lisandro Martinez’s injury issues. You can add Harry Maguire (groin) and Raphael Varane (knock) to that injury list this week, too…
The common theme with the increasing centre-back rumours is youth. It certainly feels like Erik ten Hag is looking to ensure United become younger at that position. Jarrad Branthwaite, Leny Yoro and Antonio Silva have all been among the names linked.
Over the last 24 hours, Portuguese media outlet O Jogo (Tuesday print edition) have provided another update on the Reds’ possible pursuit for Benfica’s Silva. The translation comes from Sport Witness.
According to their latest information, United now know ‘everything about’ Silva, after several scouting trips to watch the centre-half in action – for both club and country.
Now, United have initiated contact over a possible move to sign the 20-year-old, with the Reds getting in touch with Gestifute, the agency that represents Silva.
The report claims United are preparing an offer for Silva, with scouts left impressed with the young man during their trips to watch him in action.
No detail is placed upon how much United are actually prepared to offer to bring Silva in, though the player does have a hefty release clause in his current contract which does offer Benfica some protection. That figure is said to stand at the £85m (100m euro) mark.
Silva is one of many brilliant talents coming through the Benfica system right now, while United have always had great success when signing players from Portugal. I’m not sure I’d be willing to spend the full £85m on Silva at this stage as it’d be a massive chunk of the transfer budget gone on one player, but he is a top talent.
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