Liverpool are reportedly eyeing up a summer move for Benfica defender Antonio Silva, a target for Manchester United.
Antonio Silva has established himself as one of the most promising young talents in Europe in football, and he has been linked with a move away from the Portuguese club for months now. A report from Football Insider claims that Liverpool have now sent scouts to watch the player in action.
It remains to be seen whether the Premier League giants follow up on their interest with a concrete proposal for the defender. The central defender has a £77 million release clause in his contract and is also a target for Manchester United.
It seems highly unlikely that Liverpool will agree to pay £77 million for an unproven talent. Benfica would have to lower their demands for the transfer to go through. In addition to that, Liverpool are in need of multiple midfield reinforcements and will not be able to afford Antonio Silva if the asking price remains the same.
Jurgen Klopp is looking to rebuild his squad this summer. But it remains to be seen whether Liverpool can bring in the necessary reinforcement over the next few months. The Reds are reportedly one of the front-runners to sign the Portuguese defender.
Signing a quality central defender could prove to be a wise decision, especially with the way Joe Gomez and Joel Matip have performed this season. Both players of been mediocre, while star defender Virgil van Dijk has not been at his best either.
Ibrahima Konate is the only reliable defender at the club right now, and Silva could be a quality partner for the French international. The opportunity to play for Liverpool would be an attractive option for the young defender and he could be tempted to join the Merseyside outfit given the opportunity.
On top of that, the chance to play under a world-class manager like Jurgen Klopp will be an added incentive. The German manager has done well to nurture talented young players at Liverpool. And he could help the 19-year-old develop into a world-class defender in the coming seasons.
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The talented youngster has been linked with other Premier League clubs like Manchester United. So it will be interesting to see if Liverpool can fend off the competition from their rivals and secure his services this summer. Manchester United have more financial resources and will be able to provide Silva with Champions League football next season as well. On the other hand, Liverpool might not qualify for the Champions League given their performances this season.
