Real Madrid have reportedly been offered the chance to sign Benfica defender Antonio Silva for just €40m (£33.5m) this summer.
Not too long ago, the 21-year-old was viewed as one of the best up-and-coming centre-backs in world football, but the transfer talk surrounding the Portugal international has quietened in recent months.
Silva has made 30 appearances for Benfica this season, while he has represented the Portuguese giants on 124 occasions, scoring eight goals and registering one assist in the process.
According to Defensa Central, Silva's agent Jorge Mendes is working on an exit for his client this summer, and Real Madrid have been offered the chance to sign him in a deal worth €40m (£33.5m).
The publication claims that Real Madrid scouts have delivered various positive reports on the defender, but the club are currently undecided when it comes to a possible move for him at the end of the campaign.
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Real Madrid 'offered chance to sign Silva from Benfica'
Silva once had a €100m (£84m) price tag, but that has seemingly fallen due to his struggles for form.
The defender has a contract with Benfica until June 2027, placing the club in a relatively strong position, and there is also thought to have previously been interest in him from Manchester United.
However, Silva is allegedly not a priority for Real Madrid, with Los Blancos currently exploring alternative options, namely Dean Huijsen, who has excelled for Bournemouth during the 2024-25 campaign.
There is a €60m (£50m) release clause in Huijsen's Bournemouth contract, which Carlo Ancelotti's side are believed to be willing to activate in order to win the race for his signature during this summer's transfer window.
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Will Real Madrid move for Silva?
With Huijsen available for just €20m (£16.5m) more than Silva, it is difficult to imagine Real Madrid moving for the Benfica defender during the summer market.
Silva's stock has fallen due to his struggles for form, but there is still plenty of time for him to develop into a world-class centre-back, and it would be a surprise if a major club did not take a chance on the Portuguese at the end of the campaign.
Real Madrid are also allegedly set to announce a new contract for Raul Asencio, with the centre-back performing excellently for Los Blancos during the current season.
Matt Law
