Manchester United are ‘convinced’ they can secure cut-price deal for Champions League starlet

Manchester United are reportedly ‘convinced’ that they can secure a cut-price deal on one Champions League starlet this summer.

The Reds have signed Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro so far this window but are aiming for further additions in the coming weeks.

In particular, Erik ten Hag’s side needs strengthening at fullback, centre-back and in midfield. INEOS are also debating signing another striker despite Zirkzee joining the club.

Antonio Silva has previously been linked with an Old Trafford move, but that potential deal has gone quiet this summer. The defender has a release clause of around £85 million, which is out of United’s price range.

However, the latest reports from O Joga have stated that United are once again looking at the 20-year-old defender.

The outlet added that the Reds are ‘convinced’ that they can work out a deal at a ‘much more affordable price’ during negotiations with Benfica.

Silva played 50 times for the Liga Portugal club last term as he helped them qualify for the 2024/25 Champions League campaign.

Interestingly, it has previously been suggested that Silva was the player that Benfica were more willing to sell this summer, rather than Joao Neves, who is heavily linked to PSG at the moment.

However, if a deal could be struck for the centre-back instead, the Portuguese outfit could instead look to keep Neves for another season. This would potentially allow United to enter the race for his signature.

There were strong links to the talented midfielder earlier in the summer, but United do not have the funds available for a big-money signing in midfield.

Sofyan Amrabat and Manuel Ugarte (should PSG lower their price demands) are both viewed as the primary options for the Reds in the engine room.

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