Manchester United have reportedly received a significant boost in their pursuit of promising 20-year-old Benfica defender Antonio Silva ahead of the summer transfer window.
According to reports from Portuguese outlet Record via Sport Witness, as relayed by Fichajes, the Red Devils are looking to bolster their squad ahead of next season and have turned their attention to Portugal international Antonio Silva, who could be sold in the summer as Benfica look to balance their books.
Man United in dire need of defensive reinforcements next summer
United are desperate to reinforce their back line in the summer of 2024 as they seek to find a solution to the defensive problems that continue to haunt them. The Red Devils are sweating on the futures of Raphael Varane and Harry Maguire, with both players linked with exits this summer, while 36-year-old Jonny Evans isn’t getting any younger in the final phase of his career.
The situation has prompted the Premier League giants to scout the market for reinforcements, and Silva is on their radar. The Portuguese centre-back has been a revelation for Benfica this season and could be the ideal replacement for Varane.
Silva has featured 32 times across competitions in the ongoing campaign and scored twice while registering 14 clean sheets along the way.
Manchester United confident of reaching an agreement for Antonio Silva
His defensive efforts have certainly not gone unnoticed among the European elite. Manchester United have taken note, although there’s likely to be stiff competition for the 20-year-old, who has emerged as a top defensive prospect in European football over the last couple of seasons.
Benfica have looked at one big-money sale at the end of each season, and there could be yet another money grab this summer. Darwin Nunez left for Liverpool during the summer of 2022, while Goncalo Ramos made the switch to Paris Saint-Germain last year.
Silva appears to be the next in line to leave. His credentials cannot be doubted, with many tipping him to be a future superstar.
Although Silva has a long-term contract until 2027 at Benfica and is protected by a release clause of €100 million, United are “confident of reaching a favourable agreement” with the Portuguese outfit to land the talented defender’s services.
Ramos had a €100 million buy-out clause, but Benfica eventually accepted a loan with an obligation to buy for €80 million that has been activated. The Old Trafford outfit could look to explore a similar type of deal, with Benfica open to negotiating his exit.
