Manchester United want to sign both Jean-Clair Todibo and Antonio Silva as centre-back signings across the coming transfer windows.
Erik ten Hag has been linked with bringing in defensive reinforcements and Benfica defender Antonio Silva was last week named as the club’s top target.
The 20-year-old was named in the Primeira Liga Team of the Year as Benfica won the title last season, in a breakthrough campaign in Lisbon.
Silva has won eight caps for Portugal since his senior debut last year and is understood to have a release clause in his contract of €100m (£86m) that will become active next summer.
Manchester United are also understood to hold a long-term interest in Nice centre-back Todibo, who Sky Germany are reporting ‘remains a candidate’ for the club during the January transfer window.
United’s interest in Todibo is not reportedly dependent on their bid to sign Silva, with the arrival of both centre-backs an option at Old Trafford.
United accepted an offer for Harry Maguire from West Ham last summer and, while the defender has regained his place in the side of late, the 30-year-old’s long-term future remains uncertain.
There are also doubts over both Victor Lindelof and Raphael Varane. The former will have just a year remaining on his deal at the end of the season, while Varane has fallen out of favour in recent weeks and has not started a Premier League fixture since September.
Liverpool and Newcastle have also been linked with Todibo, who made his France debut in September. The 23-year-old will want assurances over his role in order to move mid-season, as he looks to make the French squad for next summer’s European Championship.
