Man Utd on red-alert as De Ligt and Branthwaite alternative gets 'half-price discount'

Manchester United are reportedly eyeing Benfica’s Antonio Silva as a cut-price potential alternative to Jarrad Branthwaite, according to Portuguese media.

Despite having already strengthened their defence with the addition of Leny Yoro, it appears the Red Devils are keen on adding more depth to their backline this summer. The club has been unsuccessful in two attempts to sign Everton’s Branthwaite and a failed Toffees takeover bid had sparked rumours of a third attempt.

However, Everton seem determined to keep hold of their 22-year-old defender by offering him a new contract. Bayern Munich’s Matthijs de Ligt was also considered, but United are yet to meet the German club’s valuation.

Portuguese outlet O Jogo claim that Silva has now emerged as a viable option for United, given the difficulties in securing deals for Branthwaite and De Ligt. This isn’t the first time the 20-year-old has been linked with a move to Old Trafford, with interest noted during the previous summer window.

Despite Silva’s hefty £84million release clause, United are reportedly optimistic about negotiating a more affordable fee as Benfica have acknowledged the difficulty in receiving the full £84m for the centre-back, but would be ‘willing’ to let Silva go if an offer exceeding £42m was tabled.

Despite interest from various clubs, Silva remains without an official bid for his services. United might need to offload a player or two to free up the necessary funds for any potential deal, with Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof linked with exits.

Silva has previously commented on the speculation surrounding his future, stating: “I don’t know how next season will be, but my focus at the moment, is on Benfica. I am under contract [until 2027] and I trust my dad a lot, he has his say in most things and I also believe in my agent, they’re the ones that take care of my life.

“And I just want to be focussed on Benfica. I feel very valued here at the club and what will happen, will happen.”