Aheed Abrar
SL Benfica duo Goncalo Ramos and Antonio Silva of ‘interest’ to Manchester United
Manchester United have set their sights on SL Benfica duo Goncalo Ramos and Antonio Silva, who are of ‘interest’ to the Red Devils, according to Portuguese outlet O Jogo (h/t Express).
The Old Trafford side are considering making a move for the Primeira Liga outfit’s youngsters. Enzo Fernandez looks to have slipped the Manchester-based club’s grasps, with Premier League rivals closing in on the Eagles’ midfielder.
United have been eyeing Ramos for some time now. He is seen as a leading candidate by Erik ten Hag to bolster the Red Devils’ forward line after Cristiano Ronaldo’s untimely exit from the club.
The 37-year-old’s departure has dwindled the Dutch manager’s options in the attack. Anthony Martial is the only natural number nine at Erik ten Hag’s disposal at the moment. Unfortunately, injuries have been an issue for the 27-year-old this season.
Benfica’s 21-year-old forward has been in fine form in the current campaign. The striker has found the back of the net 15 times in 23 appearances in all competitions. He also shone for Portugal at the 2022 World Cup, scoring a hat-trick against Switzerland.
The Primeira Liga outfit are unbeaten in all competitions this term. Silva has also become a regular in the Eagles’ backline in the current campaign. Roger Schmidt’s team have been solid defensively with the 19-year-old in defence. He also featured for Fernando Santos’ team in Qatar.
As a result, a number of top sides, including United, are monitoring the defender. Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus, Napoli and Premier League rivals Liverpool are also in the race for his signature.
The Red Devils have a stacked backline for now. Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez, Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof can all be called upon by Ten Hag to play at centre-back.
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Rui Costa, the president of Benfica, will only sell Ramos and Silva if their release clauses of £106 million and £88 million, respectively, are met. Thus, it remains to be seen whether the Old Trafford side will opt to spend that money in the upcoming transfer windows.
