Manchester United 'send scouts to watch Benfica star Antonio Silva' and more transfer rumours

Manchester United sent scouts to watch Benfica defender Antonio Silva during the international break, according to reports.

United have identified a new centre-back among four key areas of weakness to address next summer, with Erik ten Hag keen to add more youth in that area. Raphael Varane and Harry Maguire are both 30, with the former suffering with several injuries while the latter could leave amid a lack of minutes.

Silva, 19, fits the bill and United have been keeping tabs on him for some time. The teenager played the full game as Portugal beat Slovakia 1-0 last week - Bruno Fernandes netting the winner - and 90min reports that Reds scouts were in attendance.

United are said to have wanted to see Silva out of his comfort zone on international duty, having watched him several times as part of a dominant Benfica side. They were one of several teams keeping an eye on the youngster, with staff from Liverpool, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich also at the Tehelne Pole Stadium.

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Elsewhere, Joao Palhinha has signed a new long-term contract with Fulham amid links to United.

The Portuguese midfielder was in Germany on deadline day to complete a move to Bayern Munich, however the deal fell through after Fulham couldn't source a replacement. He subsequently returned to London but speculation continued to surface.

United had been credited with interest potentially going through to January, albeit their move for Sofyan Amrabat seems to have quashed reports. And now Palhinha has committed his future to Fulham, signing a five-year deal that will keep him at Craven Cottage until 2028.

Manchester United are back in the Champions League after an impressive first season in charge for