According to Portuguese outlet Record, Liverpool and Manchester United are still battling it out to sign Benfica’s defensive prodigy Antonio Silva.
The 19-year-old made his senior debut for Benfica at the start of the previous season and has rapidly become a vital player for his club within just 12 months. He is also a regular player for the Portugal national team.
However, the same source indicates that the young centre-back is not overly enticed by a move to the Premier League.
Instead, he sees Real Madrid as the top European club, and they have expressed their interest in signing him as well. Currently, Silva doesn’t appear to be in a rush to depart from Benfica.
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Both Man United and Liverpool may be considering bolstering their central defence in the upcoming summer. His maturity and experience make him a valuable long-term investment.
However, his price tag may be huge, as there is a £103 million release clause in his contract.
The Reds are also expected to reinforce their defensive lineup in the near future, as Virgil van Dijk is past his prime, and the performances of Joe Gomez and Joel Matip have been inconsistent.
Silva could be a valuable addition to Jurgen Klopp’s side, but it hinges on whether he is open to a move to the English Premier League.
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Currently, the defender has no urgency to depart from Benfica, and it’s evident that Madrid is his dream club. Convincing him to join either United or Liverpool ahead of Carlo Ancelotti’s team may require some effort.
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