Real Madrid monitoring Benfica sensation Antonio Silva

Real Madrid are keeping close tabs on Benfica defender Antonio Silva as they plot a transfer swoop in the summer, reports Record Portugal.

The 19-year-old has announced himself to the world following an eye-catching campaign this term, becoming an undisputed starter for Benfica as well as putting on some consistent displays.

The prodigious talent also managed to get a call-up to the Portugal national team for World Cup 2022 months ago, where he played the entire ninety minutes in the final group game against South Korea.

Silva is next in the line to emerge from Benfica’s talent factory and also rated at around €100 million as his predecessors Darwin Nunez and Enzo Fernandez.

Madrid could be in the market for defensive reinforcements come the summer, with Nacho’s contract expiring and also looking likely to leave.

David Alaba might also move to the left-back position should Ferland Mendy, whose exit rumours are rife, leave in the summer.

Eder Militao and Antonio Rudiger have formed a lethal centre-back partnership this season, and Los Blancos need a quality backup ahead of next season.

Madrid would also not hesitate to splurge the cash on Silva after doing the same for Aurelien Tchouameni last summer. The move also paid dividends, as the French midfielder has quickly become a key cog in Carlo Ancelotti’s squad this season.

Silva is also on the wishlist of Premier League giants like Manchester United and Liverpool.

Madrid are also keeping track of RB Leipzig’s highly-rated defender Josko Gvardiol, who is pursued by a host of European giants following his stellar World Cup 2022 campaign.

Manchester City and Chelsea pose a major threat to Madrid for the Croatian youngster, while Liverpool have also recently joined the race.