Transfer Centre

Manchester United, Liverpool 'both interested in Antonio Silva'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 24 October 2022

Man United, Liverpool 'both interested in Antonio Silva'

Manchester United and Liverpool could battle for the signature of Benfica defender Antonio Silva next summer, according to a report.

Manchester United and Liverpool could reportedly go head-to-head for the signature of Benfica defender Antonio Silva during next summer's transfer window.

The 18-year-old has made the breakthrough into the Benfica first team this season, featuring on seven occasions in the league, in addition to making four appearances in the Champions League.

A recent report claimed that Man United had scouts in attendance to watch Silva in action against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League earlier this month.

According to O Jogo, the 20-time English champions are keen to sign the teenager, but they are likely to face competition from Premier League rivals Liverpool.

The report claims that there is an £87m release clause in Silva's contract, which Benfica would demand in order to let him leave during next summer's transfer window.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag pictured on October 19, 2022 © Reuters

Man United signed Lisandro Martinez over the summer to boost their defence, while Raphael Varane, Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof are also first-team options for Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag.

However, Eric Bailly could leave the club on a permanent basis next summer, while Phil Jones and Axel Tuanzebe are also likely to move on at the end of the season.

Ten Hag is said to want to add a young defender to his first-team squad, with Silva seemingly emerging as the Dutchman's leading target.

The Portugal Under-21s international made 38 outings for Benfica Under-23s before breaking into the first team, and he now has 12 senior appearances to his name.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp pictured on October 22, 2022 © Reuters

As well as Man United, Liverpool are said to have a firm interest in Silva, with Reds boss Jurgen Klopp also keen to bring in a youthful defender next summer.

Joe Gomez, Ibrahima Konate, Nat Phillips, Joel Matip and Virgil van Dijk are all available to Klopp in the middle of the defence, but the Merseyside giants have struggled defensively this term.

The Reds have conceded 13 times in their 11 matches, while they are currently down in eighth position in the Premier League table, picking up just 16 points thus far.

Benfica, meanwhile, are top of the Primeira Liga, picking up 28 points from their 10 matches, while they have only conceded five times during an impressive start.