Manchester United move ahead of Real Madrid in €75m transfer pursuit of 21-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo teammate: Reports

According to Spanish outlet Defensa Central, Manchester United has now surpassed Real Madrid in their pursuit to sign Portugal star Antonio Silva. The 21-year-old, who is a product of Benfica's youth academy, is one of the most highly rated center backs in the world and is being monitored by European heavyweights.

Real Madrid have reportedly had Antonio Silva on the transfer radar for a long time. The Spanish giants are in the market for a center back who could replace Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba, who are gradually approaching the twilight years of their careers.

While Los Blancos have their sights set on the Benfica defender, they are not willing to cough up a huge sum of money to acquire his services.

Manchester United have also been monitoring Antonio Silva for a while, as they are keen to bolster their defensive options. In a bid to pip Real Madrid in the race, the Red Devils are reportedly now ready to table a whopping sum of €75 million to sign Silva.

As per the abovementioned source, Real Madrid are not considering splurging upwards of the amount that Manchester United are set to propose for the player. Los Blancos will not be moved by any tempting offer for Silva from any other top club.

The report further added that Madrid has accepted that the 21-year-old has made the decision to take another direction in his sporting career. As such, the La Liga outfit is following other players who also have great potential and could also have a long career at Santiago Bernabeu.

Antonio Silva’s current market value is €38 million as per Transfermarkt. His contract with Benfica will expire in 2027. This season, he has scored 1 goal and provided one assist for the Portuguese side in 12 appearances across competitions.

Manchester United competing with Real Madrid for €20 million Greece star – Reports

According to a report from Caught Offside, Manchester United and Real Madrid are among the clubs interested in signing Olympiacos prodigy Charalampos Kostoulas.

The forward has seen his stock rise in recent times at Olympiacos, scoring three goals and providing one assist in 11 appearances so far this term.

Kostoulas came through the ranks of the Olympiacos youth system, notably scoring sixteen goals in fifteen appearances in the 2021–22 season. His progress with the Greek club hasn’t gone unnoticed and Real Madrid and Manchester United are monitoring him closely.

As per the abovementioned source, Olympiacos are now open to selling Charalampos Kostoulas for around €20 million. Although he is just 17, Kostoulas' numbers at Olympiacos are impressive and could be a good bargain for any of his suitors. The other clubs said to be interested in the player are Bayern Munich and West Ham United.