AC Milan reportedly might consider alternative transfer targets as Benfica are said to be fending off our interest to keep defender Antonio Silva.
The Rossoneri look set to be active this summer in strengthening the squad and allowing new boss Ruben Amorim to mould it into his own, with speculation suggesting last week that a deal has been agreed with Paris Saint-Germain for the signing of striker Goncalo Ramos.
It appeared as though a second touted arrival might not be far away either over the weekend as Silva was heavily linked with a move to join us, but it appears as though things have now shifted towards him staying with the Portuguese giants.
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According to Antonio Vitiello, Benfica now hope to keep the 22-year-old at the club and are holding firm on their touted asking price, and so Milan could now look at other options to bolster the squad in that department.
If Silva was a priority for Amorim this summer, that is a disappointing development as it’s crucial that Milan are able to bring in the reinforcements that the Portuguese tactician feels as though he needs to implement his ideas and style of play as successfully as possible.
Nevertheless, there will surely be other possible targets on his shortlist if a move for Silva fails to materialise, and so it remains to be seen if that is indeed the approach moving forward.
Incidentally, it was Vitiello who reported over the weekend that further discussions were set to take place for Silva, with agent Jorge Mendes heavily involved in the negotiations.
However, something has clearly changed over the past 24 hours as the tone has certainly switched from a positive one to questionable as to whether a deal will be agreed, with Silva potentially even shifting his focus to renewing his contract with Benfica given his current deal expires in 12 months time.
With 181 appearances at senior level to his name as well as 20 caps for Portugal, the talented defensive ace would seemingly be a smart signing from Milan to shore things up at the back and give Amorim another preferred option at his disposal, but time will tell if there is still a possibility that an agreement can be reached between the two clubs.