Manchester United and Liverpool could reportedly go head-to-head for the services of Benfica defensive rock Antonio Silva during next summer’s transfer window.
The 18-year-old has made the breakthrough into the Portuguese giants first team this campaign, featuring on seven occasions in the league, in addition to making four games in the Champions League.
A recent report suggested that the Red Devils had scouts in attendance to watch Silva in action against PSG in the Champions League earlier this month.
According to O Jogo, Man Utd are keen to sign the teenager, however, they are likely to face stiff competition from Premier League rivals Liverpool.
The report suggests that there is an £87m release clause in Silva’s current deal, which Benfica would demand in order to let him depart during next summer’s transfer window.
Man United added Lisandro Martinez over the summer to strengthen 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 depart from the club on a permanent basis next summer, while Phil Jones and Axel Tuanzebe likely to leave the club.
Ten Hag is believed 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 played 38 games for Benfica Under-23s before breaking into the first team, and he now has 12 senior games to his name.
As well as Liverpool and Man Utd are believed to have a firm interest in Silva, with Reds head-coach Jurgen Klopp also keen to bring in a youthful defender next summer.
