Man United ‘target’ £80m Benfica star player as Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s first major transfer

Man United ‘target’ £80m Benfica star player as Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s first major transfer

Manchester United are in the market to sign Antonio Silva from Benfica this summer – according to reports.

Speculation over what might happen at Old Trafford continues to rumble on with investment from INEOS founder Sir Jim Ratcliffe being ratified by the Premier League this month.

The new ownership structure is starting to revamp things behind the scenes – including a modern framework when it comes to transfers.

United are expected to make several changes to their squad next season and another right-sided central defender is thought to be among their main priorities.

Silva, 20, has earned rave reviews for his performances for Benfica and the seven-cap Portugal international is one of the most highly-rated youngsters in Europe.

However, it will cost United a pretty penny for his services. HITC underlines interest in Silva as potential suitors are told they might have to pay £80million, with United sending scouts to watch the defender in action.

United are, meanwhile, preparing for record sales this summer in order to help fund their recruitment drive.

Elsewhere, reports from Spanish publication SPORT indicate United will encounter heavy-handed competition to sign Adrien Rabiot should they go back in for the Juventus midfielder. Rabiot, 28, has been on the radar for United previously and, to this point, has rebuffed any interest from Old Trafford.

The 42-cap France international only has a few months left to run on his contract with Juventus.

As such, revived interest from United has been flagged up by the aforementioned outlet, while Barcelona are said to be prepared to offer the midfielder a two-year contract. Other clubs namedropped in the article include Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Inter Milan and Newcastle United.