Manchester United seem intent on making a mega signing in the summer transfer window with the club being linked with the likes of Andrea Belotti and Antoine Griezmann. Both players are expected to cost in excess of £80 million if United decide to sign them. However, the club are more intent on completing the signing of a player who may not cost as much but is expected to be as important to the team. United are reportedly in advanced negotiations with Monaco for the transfer of Bernardo Silva. The midfielder is expected to cost around £42.5million.

A number of European clubs have been showing interest in the midfielder after his stellar performances with Monaco this season. Monaco have been one of the surprise packages in the 2016-17 campaign. Not only are they dominating the French league, but they have also managed to reach the semi-finals of the Champions League. They would be facing Juventus in the last four of the Premier European competition with a real opportunity to make it to the finals for the first time since 2003. The Monaco team is filled with names like Kylian Mbappe, Tiemoue Bakayoko, Djibril Sidibé, Fabinho, and Thomas Lemar. Among such an attractive crop of youngsters, Silva has also caught the attention.

The right winger has 9 goals and 11 assists 50 appearances for the club across all competitions this season. He has been a major presence for Monaco in their surprise campaign. Manchester United will regard the demands of a £42.5million transfer fee as a bargain, considering the player’s age and his achievements. Despite being only 22-years old, he has already started attracting plenty of interest from across Europe. Monaco are prepared to sell him as they do not see the player extending the contract in the near term. His current deal runs out in the summer of 2020.

Our Verdict

Manchester United will be losing some key forwards and midfielders in the summer. The injury to Zlatan Ibrahimovic increases the threat to the club in the forward areas even more. While the likes of Belotti and Antoine Griezmann will be able to play up front, Silva will be signed as a player to replace the likes of Jesse Lingard. The former has been effective on a few occasions.

Even though there is plenty of interest surrounding Silva, Manchester United have been able to enter into advanced negotiations due to their recent relationship with Monaco after the transfer of Radamel Falcao and Anthony Martial.