Manchester United revive interest in “wonderkid” defender, INEOS make a plan

Manchester United have reportedly reignited their interest in a “wonderkid” defender as INEOS create a plan to sign a second centre-back this summer.

Manchester United are focused on strengthening their defence by signing multiple centre-backs this summer after a challenging season under Erik ten Hag. The team finished eighth in the Premier League and were eliminated from the Champions League by Christmas.

Throughout the 2023/24 season, United conceded over eighty goals across all competitions and frequently changed their defensive lineup due to injuries, resulting in more than 30 different combinations in 52 matches.

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United are still planning on adding further reinforcements following the capture of Leny Yoro. Matthijs de Ligt and Jarrad Branthwaite are the most prominent targets, but they were previously linked to Benfica’s Antonio Silva.

Silva, who many have previously described as a “wonderkid” defender, has a release clause believed to sit at around £85 million, which originally deterred United from establishing a concrete line for a transfer.

But according to O Jogo, United have since reignited their interest in the 20-year-old, with INEOS forming a plan for how to sign him despite his steep release clause.

According to the report, United have become convinced that they can negotiate a fee with Benfica for less than the release clause. However, United have not yet made an official offer.

Benfica president Rui Costa has previously shown he is open to negotiating transfer fees despite release clauses, as was the case with his revelation last week surrounding £100 million midfielder Joao Neves.

“I never said that João Neves could only leave through the clause and, therefore, it is false that I said a situation like that,” he said via O Jogo.

“What I can say in relation to João Neves is that it is true, and I will not hide it, that there is a proposal on the table.” It is widely thought that this is from Paris St. Germain.

“There is a proposal on the table that is being evaluated, that is being talked about, but, at the moment, João Neves continues to be a Benfica player.

“At the moment, there is an ongoing negotiation, as is the case with other players, and therefore, allow me to reserve myself, at this moment, to take care of things for what is best for Benfica.”

Costa has proved that he is willing to continue negotiating for players with release clauses if he deems it in Benfica’s best interests. This suggests that INEOS may be able to reach an agreement with the Liga Portugal club.

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