Liverpool scouting defender betrer than Virgil Van Dijk ahead of the transfer window

Liverpool scouting defender betrer than Virgil Van Dijk ahead of the transfer window

According to sources cited by Football Insider, Liverpool has dispatched scouts to watch Benfica sensation Antonio Silva.

As the Reds attempt to make a deal this summer, Silva’s release clause at the Portuguese club is thought to be £77 million.

The 19-year-old has also been monitored by Man City and Man United, and Benfica is gearing up for a fierce bidding war for his services at the end of the season.

The defender signed a professional deal with the club last summer that runs until 2027.

Jurgen Klopp is concerned about the defensive weakness of his side and is keen to add reinforcements at the back before the start of next season.

Injuries to first choice centre-backs Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate have left the club exposed in defence this season and back-ups Joe Gomez and Joel Matip have failed to meet the mark when called upon.

The Portuguese star may be consideredas a long term replacement for Joel Matip at the heart of the defence.

Given that the Cameroonian is a potentially likely candidate to be sold this summer, it’s an avenue we’ll need to consider exploring in the near future.

Antonio Silva (Getty Images)

At the cost of £77m, however, this is one transfer race we’d be well-advised to avoid given that the vast majority of our resources should be focused on fixing our clear midfield deficit.

The Merseysiders are currently seventh in the Premier League with seven games left to play in the 2022-23 season.

The Reds are nine points behind fourth-placed Man United who are currently occupying the final Champions League spot for next season and have a game in hand.

Klopp’s side were eliminated from the top European competition by Real Madrid and their hopes of a spot in next year’s tournament are hanging by a thread.

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