Man Utd ramp up pursuit of ‘top summer transfer target’ as club ‘expect exit’
Manchester United have made Benfica star Antonio Silva their top transfer target for next summer, according to reports. The Red Devils are already putting plans into place to sign the centre-back who could cost around £86.7million.
Central defence is a position United barely touched upon in the last summer transfer window. Jonny Evans was the only addition in that area, initially signing a short-term deal before being rewarded with a one-year contract.
Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez started this season as the first-choice pairing for Ten Hag, with Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Evans providing support. But Martinez has missed much of the campaign with a foot injury and Varane has fallen out of favour.
United have been linked with a number of potential transfer targets to strengthen at the back. And it appears Silva is now the preferred candidate for Ten Hag.
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Sky Sport Germany says he will be the No 1 choice for United at the end of the season. The Red Devils are said to be keen to discuss contract details and a plan for the young Portugal star.
Silva has a release clause in his Benfica contract that becomes active next year. United would have to pay £86.7m if Benfica are not willing to negotiate a lower price.
The report says Benfica expect Silva to leave next summer despite knowing he will still have three years remaining on his contract. Silva only signed an extension to his current deal earlier this season, which saw his release clause increase.
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Silva only turned 20 last month but United have clearly seen enough to think he can play a big part in their future project. He has already made 61 appearances for Benfica and has won seven caps at international level.
The potential purchase of Silva could spell the end of Varane’s time at Old Trafford. Sky Sport Germany claimed last week that United are willing to let the Frenchman leave in January but only on a permanent deal.
Varane hasn’t started a Premier League match since September and is attracting interest from German giants Bayern Munich. United will be hoping to have Martinez fully fit at some point in early 2024 after he underwent surgery in October.
United also have decisions to make on the futures of Evans and Lindelof. Both players’ deals expire at the end of the season, although there is an option to extend the latter’s by one year.
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