Liverpool to battle Manchester United for £86 million-rated star - Reports

Liverpool are reportedly prepared to enter a transfer battle with eternal rivals Manchester United for the services of £86 million-rated Benfica center-back Antonio Silva, according to Fichajes.net. The 20-year-old center-back has quickly gained attention with his impressive performances in the Portugal Liga.

Silva has been part of a strong Benfica defense that have kept 15 clean sheets in 30 matches while scoring two goals himself. He has also played four UEFA Champions League games and six Europa League games this season, which makes him a good prospect for clubs in those competitions.

As per the aforementioned report, Benfica would be willing to sell the player for a fee in the region of the release clause in his contract (£86 million).

Liverpool are preparing to bid farewell to Joel Matip, who is leaving the club at the end of his contract this summer. This means they will be on the lookout for a replacement for the defender, and Silva, who has been on their radar, could be the next defensive signing at Anfield.

For Manchester United, Raphael Varane has announced that he will leave the club this summer as well. The Red Devils will also be looking for reinforcements and this could see them push to sign Silva.

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Manchester United and Liverpool legends disagree on Red Devils' transfer market strategy

Former Manchester United and Liverpool defender Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher disagree on the best line of action for the Red Devils in the transfer market.

It is evident that the Old Trafford-based club need more fire up top. While Rasmus Hojlund is a promising prospect for the future, the former players disagree on whether a more experienced striker should be signed.

Neville said on Monday Night Football (via Manchester Evening News):

"I think he’s [Hojlund] physical. I think he’s got a good mentality and is a good kid. I think he’s playing in a struggling team in a difficult environment. He’s not the problem at Manchester United, he is someone to persevere with.

"Every player they have signed over the last 10 years has struggled and for young players, it has been difficult. I hope they can sign another striker in the summer. Not to support him, but to partner him, to mentor him, someone he can learn from.”

Carragher, however, disagreed with the former Manchester United right-back, saying:

"I don’t think you can do that, Gary, I think he’s [Hojlund] gone there too soon. But if you bring a top striker in, you kill him. Once you have given him his first year, you almost have to give him his head again next season to see if he is up to it. To bring someone in again and he’s almost like a second striker, I think that makes it really difficult for him.”

The young Danish striker has scored 15 goals in 41 appearances across competitions for Manchester United this season.