Manchester United have decided on their top defensive target for next summer, according to reports.
Raphael Varane’s future at Manchester United is uncertain as the Frenchman has fallen down the pecking order with Victor Lindelof impressing in the past two games and deserving to start.
With Varane at the age of 30, Erik ten Hag is understandably keen on signing a younger centre-back to partner the currently injured Lisandro Martinez, once he returns from his injury.
Jean-Clair Todibo, of OGC Nice, has been linked with the Red Devils but it looks like the Old Trafford club have settled on a different number-one target for that position.
United’s top target
According to a post from German journalist Florian Plettenberg, United have earmarked SL Benfica centre-back Antonio Silva as their top target ahead of a move next summer.
This deal comes with a lot of stipulations but United are seeking to find out Silva’s contract situation at the Portuguese giants before making a move but the defender has a €100 million (£86m) release clause in his contract.
At just 20 years of age, the defender is certainly the age profile that United needs, and the Portuguese youngster, on average, completes 94 per cent of his passes which is an extraordinary amount.
However, the fee itself may be a sticking point with it seeming unlikely that the Red Devils would stump up £86 million to sign a relatively unproven centre-back.
United’s budget
It is unclear what the club’s budget is but it would be a surprise if United blew the majority of their budget on the Portuguese defender when there are good options out there for a decent price.
United will know how much money they have available for transfers once Sir Jim Ratcliffe completes his 25 per cent takeover of the club, whenever that may be.
Todibo, as a result, could be the more appealing option as he would cost around half the price that Silva would and has arguably proven his abilities at a higher level.
Nevertheless, Silva, 20, looks to be the man the Red Devils will be targeting next summer.
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