Manchester City have centre-backs in abundance with Manuel Akanji joining Ruben Dias, John Stones, Aymeric Laporte and Nathan Ake, but Le 10 Sport say the Premier League defending champions have Antonio Silva on their shortlist as they plan for the future.
Silva is an 18-year-old centre-back who has risen through the youth ranks to Benfica’s first-team, going on to make 11 appearances at senior level after featuring 52 times for the youth sides. City might have competition for the teenager from Real Madrid, Valencia and Napoli, however.
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Silva has started Benfica’s last five Primeira Liga games and has started every Champions League outing this season too. Despite his young age, he has the faith of manager Roger Schmidt and clearly the ability to hand the pressure.
Le 10 Sport say Silva has a release clause €100m (£87.1m), so he won’t come cheap to sign. And with five years remaining on his deal at the Estádio da Luz, Benfica aren’t likely to cash in any time soon.
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Even with European giants showing an interest, Benfica will be desperate to keep Silva for as long as possible and will be able to keep him happy with regular playing time – something that wouldn’t be possible at City or Real.
In other news, Cole Palmer addresses Man City transfer rumours
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