Manchester United 'view Antonio Silva as possible Harry Maguire replacement'

Manchester United are reportedly keen to sign Benfica centre-back Antonio Silva as a possible replacement for Harry Maguire, with the club captain potentially leaving Old Trafford next summer.

Maguire has allegedly been told by the Red Devils that he is free to leave in 2023, having fallen down the pecking order at the club due to his struggles for form.

The defender's former club, Leicester City, are believed to be keeping a close eye on the situation, with the 29-year-old potentially available for as little as £26m next year.

According to Italian journalist Rudy Galetti, the 20-time English champions have identified Silva as a leading transfer target, with the 19-year-old viewed as one of the most exciting prospects in European football.

The centre-back, who has been named in the Portugal squad for the 2022 World Cup, has been a key player for Benfica during the 2022-23 campaign, already making 17 appearances in all competitions.

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Silva started all six of his side's matches in the group stage of this season's Champions League, while he has also been a vital player in the league, making nine appearances, scoring twice in his side's 5-1 victory over Estoril Praia last time out.

Liverpool have also been credited with an interest in the defender, while Paris Saint-Germain are also said to be keen to secure his signature during next summer's transfer window.

However, according to Galetti, Man United are stepping up their pursuit of the Portuguese, with their head coach Erik ten Hag determined to bring him to Old Trafford next year.

Silva made 38 outings for Benfica Under-23s before breaking into the first team, and he now has 17 senior appearances to his name.

The youngster is yet to make his senior debut for Portugal, but he was selected by national team head coach Fernando Santos for the World Cup due to his form this season.

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Lisandro Martinez has been a constant for Man United since his arrival over the summer, with the Argentine forming an impressive centre-back partnership with Raphael Varane.

Recent selections have also suggested that Victor Lindelof is ahead of Maguire in Ten Hag's thinking for the centre-back spots, which could see the Englishman move on next year.

Maguire kept hold of the captain's armband over the summer and started the 2022-23 campaign in the team, but he has not been first choice since the team's 4-0 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion in August.

As well as Maguire, Axel Tuanzebe and Phil Jones are both expected to leave Man United next summer, while Eric Bailly could depart on a permanent basis, which would open up space in the squad to bring another central defender to the club for the 2023-24 campaign.