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Manchester United are interested in signing Antonio Silva from Benfica this summer, according to reports.

The Reds will be dipping into the transfer market for defensive reinforcements at the end of the season. Not only has our defensive department been hit with injury crisis after injury crisis throughout the season, it is clear that a number of our defenders are aging players and that needs to be addressed sooner rather than later.

That means our scouts will be kept busy at the task of identifying the right players for United.

HITC understands that United had scouts in Portugal watching Benfica at the weekend. The report states that the main reason for United’s visit was to continue their checks on highly-rated central defender Antonio Silva.

Silva, 20, plays on the right side of defence, which means he could be a potential partner for Lisandro Martinez – granted the Argentine can avoid any more long-term injuries. He has scored two goals in 21 appearances for Benfica this season and I think we’ll hear his name more often in the coming months.

Benfica, who are currently on top of Liga Portugal, recorded a 4-0 win over Portimonense and former United winger Angel Di Maria got his name on the scoresheet.

United’s scouts also got a chance to keep an eye on Joao Neves, who is another young player at Benfica attracting lots of attention from top European clubs.

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