Manchester United, Liverpool 'dealt blow in Antonio Silva pursuit'

At just 19 years of age, the Portuguese starlet has already cemented a spot in the Eagles' starting XI since his promotion from the club's academy ranks last year.

During his debut campaign, Silva formed a formidable partnership with the more experienced Nicolas Otamendi and contributed three goals from 30 games during Benfica's run to the Primeira Liga title.

The 6ft 1in defender also scored twice in 10 Champions League starts as the Eagles qualified for the quarter-finals, while also earning a call-up to the Portugal squad for the 2022 World Cup, starting in a 3-2 loss to South Korea.

Silva has continued his development this term with one goal in nine appearances for Roger Schmidt's team, scoring the only goal of the game in Sunday's 1-0 triumph over Estoril to seal a seventh successive league win for the champions.

Following his promotion to the first team last year, Silva was quickly rewarded with a new long-term contract until the summer of 2027, but Benfica's resolve is expected to be tested in the coming months.

Both Liverpool and Man United are believed to be keeping tabs on Silva's progress ahead of a possible January swoop, but a report from Portuguese outlet Record - via Sport Witness - does little to suggest that a winter move could come to fruition.

The outlet states that while Silva is flattered by the interest from the Premier League giants, he is not overly keen on a move to England, and especially not at this stage of his career.

The defender is apparently dreaming of captaining Benfica in the future, and the Portuguese giants are also protected by the staggering €120m (£103.5m) release clause in his contract.

Neither Man United nor Liverpool would be expected to pay such an astronomical amount during the winter window, and the two clubs are also said to be behind Real Madrid in the race to sign the Portuguese youngster.

Silva reportedly views Los Blancos as the "greatest club" in Europe and would be more open to a switch to Carlo Ancelotti's side, who have also been alerted to his recent progress.

Real Madrid are expected to be without Eder Militao for at least another few months due to his ACL injury, while David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger have also struggled with fitness problems this term.

Meanwhile, Man United currently have Raphael Varane, Luke Shaw and Lisandro Martinez in the treatment room, while Harry Maguire remains out of favour and Jonny Evans's contract expires next summer.

Liverpool could also lose Joel Matip on a free transfer in 2024, and the Reds are also said to be tracking Silva's compatriot Goncalo Inacio, who is on the books at Sporting Lisbon, and they could step up their interest in the 22-year-old if injuries deplete their squad over the winter.