Man Utd ‘in talks with £86m Benfica defender’s agent’ as they draw up three-man transfer shortlist

MANCHESTER UNITED are allegedly in talks with a Benfica star after placing him on a three-man transfer wishlist.

The Red Devils are allegedly looking to strengthen their backline during the summer window.

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Benfica’s Antonio Silva is wanted by Man Utd along with two other targets[/caption]

We revealed last month how both United and Chelsea were scouting Benfica’s Antonio Silva.

The 20-year-old defender has become a regular since graduating from the club’s academy.

And his performances have led to an ever-growing amount of talent spotters from teams across Europe watching him.

But newspaper O Jogo has claimed that United are leading the chase for him and already “know everything” about him.

They state that the Premier League side have watched Silva in “many contests” for both club and country and are convinced that he would be a star for them.

They have reportedly already contacted and opened talks with Gestifute, the agency who represent the Portuguese international.

And now United are preparing an offer for him in the summer, although his release clause is £86m.

Silva, who still has over three years remaining on his contract, has been capped seven times by Portugal and was a member of their 2022 World Cup squad.

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However, O Jogo also stated that Silva is just one of three potential targets on United’s shortlist for defensive reinforcements.

They have made signing a new defender their top priority and, as we reported previously, they are keen on bringing in Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite.

But Tottenham and a host of other top-flight sides are ready to battle Erik ten Hag for the 21-year-old’s signature.

Therefore, United are also monitoring a potential move for Atalanta’s Giorgio Scalvini, 20.

The Italian international has become a key part of Atalanta’s backline and has already been capped seven times by his country.

But we revealed last month how his club had slapped a whopping £51m price tag on his head.

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