Man Utd will step up efforts to sign Antonio Silva this summer
manchester united They are reportedly preparing to “step forward” to sign SL Benfica star Antonio Silva this summer, according to the Portuguese outlet. O Jogo.
It has been widely suggested that, having struggled with their defensive weaknesses in the just-concluded season, the Red Devils are looking to revamp the backline in the next window.
It has already been made official that Raphael Varane will leave the club this summer with Harry MaguireThe future of Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans is also up in the air at the moment.
A host of defenders have been linked with a move to Old Trafford, including Jarrad Branthwaite, Jean-Clair Todibo and Marc Guehi, but Silva is also reportedly on their radar.
By quoting and translating the printed version of O Jogo, sports witness has reported that real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain are interested in signing the Portuguese international, but the Red Devils are more likely to take “a step forward” to complete the deal this summer.
Silva to Manchester United
The report further claims that Silva has an £86m release clause in his current contract and Benfica want a fee close to that sum, including bonuses to let their star player go. The Red Devils will therefore have to pay a huge fee to attract the 20-year-old to Old Trafford this summer.
After coming through the Benfica youth academy, the young man has demonstrated his qualities at his childhood club in recent years. Having shown promising performances in the Portuguese top flight, he has already secured his place in his country's star-studded team at this tender age.
Silva is fast, strong, good in the air, comfortable playing from the back, has a good eye for long distance passes, is efficient in defensive contributions and also reads the game well. The Benfica star is considered one of the best young defenders in Europe, so he could be a solid signing for Man Utd if they buy him.
However, it will be interesting to see if the record first division The champions finally choose to make a concrete approach to secure the signature of the 20-year-old in the next transfer window.
