Liverpool are keen on signing Antonio Silva from Benfica at the end of the season and they will face competition from bitter rivals Manchester United. According to Fichajes, the two clubs will have to pay a substantial amount of money for the 20-year-old central defender who is valued at EUR100 million.

Silva has established himself as one of the best defenders in the Portuguese league and his performance have attracted the attention of the Premier League clubs. The player has been linked with a move to England for months and it will be interesting to see if clubs like Liverpool and Manchester United can bring him to English football this summer.

The 20-year-old central defender is destined to develop into a superstar with the right guidance and he could be a key player for Liverpool or Manchester United.

Liverpool defender Joel Matip will be a free agent in the summer and he will have to be replaced. The Portuguese defender could be the ideal long-term alternative. Similarly, Jonny Evans and Raphael Varane will leave Manchester United and they will have to be replaced adequately as well.

Can Liverpool or Man United afford Antonio Silva? There is no doubt that Silva has the quality to play for the biggest clubs in the world, but asking price could be a big issue. Liverpool and Manchester United will have to improve the other areas of their squad as well, and they will not be able to shell out EUR100 million for the central defender.

Benfica have a reputation of being a difficult club to negotiate with and it seems unlikely that they will let one of their most prized assets leave for cheap. It will be interesting to see if Liverpool and Manchester United can arrange the funds for his signature. There is no doubt that he could justify the investment in the long term if he manages to fulfil his potential with either of the two English clubs.

Both clubs have been mediocre defensively this season and it is an area that it is in need of improvement if they want to compete for major trophies next season.