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Manchester United remains active in the transfer market, focusing on bolstering their defense by targeting another central defender. Following their pursuit of Leny Yoro, the club has now set its sights on Antonio Silva, a name that has resurfaced in recent discussions.

According to a report in today’s edition of O Jogo, a prominent Portuguese newspaper, Manchester United is exploring the possibility of signing Silva amid challenging negotiations with Bayern Munich and Everton for other defensive targets, Matthijs de Ligt and Jarrad Branthwaite, respectively.

The report, which references British sources, indicates that Bayern Munich is demanding a hefty fee of 50 million euros for De Ligt. However, United is hesitant to meet this valuation, deeming it too high. Concurrently, Everton has rebuffed several offers from United for Branthwaite, prompting the Red Devils to shift their focus to Silva.

Earlier in the summer, Correio da Manha reported United’s interest in Silva, emphasizing that the Portuguese club would only sell if the player’s release clause, set at 100 million euros (approximately £84 million), was triggered. Despite this, the latest update from O Jogo suggests that Manchester United believes a more economical deal could be reached for Silva, potentially bypassing the steep release clause.

The central question for Manchester United now is determining the acceptable financial limit for acquiring Silva. The club has already decided not to pay £42 million for De Ligt and had a £50 million bid for Branthwaite rejected. This caution reflects their strategic approach in the transfer market, balancing the need for quality reinforcements with financial prudence.

It’s worth noting that Manchester United recently completed a significant deal, securing the services of Leny Yoro from Lille for £59 million. This acquisition underscores their commitment to strengthening the squad under manager Erik ten Hag.

Antonio Silva, a young and promising defender, played a crucial role in Benfica’s triumphant Liga Nos campaign in the 2022-23 season. Additionally, he represented Portugal at the European Championships, gaining valuable international experience. As Manchester United deliberates on the appropriate offer for Silva, the player’s potential to bolster their defensive line remains a key consideration.Manchester United’s pursuit of a new central defender continues as they explore the possibility of signing Antonio Silva from Benfica. This comes amid challenging negotiations with Bayern Munich and Everton for Matthijs de Ligt and Jarrad Branthwaite, respectively.

According to reports from O Jogo, United is cautious about Bayern Munich’s €50 million valuation for De Ligt, and Everton’s rejection of multiple offers for Branthwaite has led them to consider Silva as a viable alternative. The Portuguese defender’s release clause is set at €100 million (around £84 million), but Manchester United is reportedly exploring the possibility of a more economical deal.

Earlier reports from Correio da Manha highlighted United’s interest in Silva, emphasizing Benfica’s stance on the release clause. However, United believes there might be room for negotiation, avoiding the full release clause fee.

Antonio Silva’s impressive performances for Benfica and his experience with the Portuguese national team make him an attractive target for bolstering Manchester United’s defense. The club’s recent £59 million acquisition of Leny Yoro from Lille demonstrates their commitment to strengthening the squad under Erik ten Hag, balancing the need for quality with financial prudence. The decision now lies in determining an acceptable offer for Silva that aligns with United’s strategic goals and budget constraints.