Man Utd ‘convinced’ they can bypass £84m release clause for alternative to ‘increasingly agitated’ De Ligt

Man Utd are increasingly confident that they can secure a deal for Benfica centre-back Antonio Silva this summer, according to reports.

The Red Devils have already signed Leny Yoro from Lille as they look to improve Erik ten Hag s defence ahead of the new season with Bologna forward Joshua Zirkzee also arriving.

are still looking for at least another centre-back signing this summer after having two bids for Everton s Jarrad Branthwaite knocked back over the last month.

Their pursuit of Branthwaite seems all but over for now with Everton demanding their full asking price of around £70m and Man Utd are unwilling to spend that much on the England international.

Netherlands international Matthijs De Ligt currently seems the most likely next centre-back sig…