Napoli and Juventus will provide stiff competition to the likes of Liverpool and Tottenham in the race to land Portugal's latest emerging centre-back talent, according to fresh reports.
A Bola claims that Benfica teenager Antonio Silva is subject to interest from the two Serie A clubs, after the 19-year-old established himself in the heart of the unbeaten Eagles' defence this season. But both the Reds and Spurs have already been linked with a move for another success story from the Lisbon club.
Silva's meteoric rise has already seen him become a full international. He started Portugal's final World Cup group stage match against South Korea last week. Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has already tipped Silva to become a 'superstar' after his remarkable start to the domestic Portuguese season.
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A previous report from A Bola claimed that an unnamed English club had already made a £52million bid for the youngster, but with more top clubs being alerted to his potential, the race to claim his signature could start as early as next month.
The Premier League clubs believed to be involved will be hoping that their greater financial muscle will see him move to England rather than Italy.
Interested parties will be keeping an eye out for any future involvement in Portugal's World Cup campaign. Fernando Santos' side are next in action on Tuesday, when Portugal face Switzerland in a tricky-looking Round of 16 tie.
Liverpool already have plenty of cover in the centre-back position, but Jurgen Klopp and other club insiders will always be keeping on eye on potential top talent for the future.
Speaking on CBS back in October when Silva scored for Benfica in a 4-3 win over Juventus, Reds legend Carragher said: "The first goal is from that young defender I have highlighted a couple of weeks ago, I told you all about him, and there he is, Antonio Silva. “I mentioned his defensive prowess. But goalscoring there as well. He is going to be a superstar.”
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