Portuguese newspaper Record today features a big front page story about Manchester United’s ‘hunt’ in Lisbon.
It’s said that as the Red Devils plan to rebuild their defence, they’re interested in two centre-backs: Sporting’s Gonçalo Inácio and Benfica’s Antonio Silva.
Those rumours were hyped elsewhere this week, but Record claim to have that information ‘confirmed’, adding some more details to it. In reality, both players have been repeatedly linked to Manchester United in Portugal previously.
The story claims Manchester United have been attentive to both players for several months, and are ‘convinced’ that the defenders would fit the club well, both for their potential and ‘immediate quality’.
As usual, the transfer price would be the biggest obstacle for the Red Devils, as Benfica and Sporting are only expected to let them leave for the price of their release clauses, or something close. That means Silva would cost something approaching €120m, and Inácio’s price tag is €60m.
Record also point out that Manchester United would need ‘strong arguments’ to convince those players, as they’re both wanted by other Premier League clubs. To help them, the ‘agents’ Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot could have a word with the youngsters at the national team.
