Bournemouth in talks for Benfica defender Silva

Bournemouth are in negotiations with Benfica over the signing of Portugal centre-back Antonio Silva, 22, as a replacement for Marcos Senesi. Senesi recently departed the Cherries on a free transfer to join Tottenham Hotspur.

Silva is regarded as a strong ball-playing alternative for the Argentine defender. However, Benfica have paused further discussions while focusing on Europa League qualifying. They face St Gallen in Switzerland on 23 July, with the return leg in Lisbon a week later.

Silva has been a first-team regular for Benfica since breaking through in 2022, featuring in the Champions League, Europa League and Club World Cup. He has 20 caps for Portugal and was part of their squads for the 2022 World Cup and Euro 2024, though he was not selected for this summer's tournament.

If completed, Silva would become Bournemouth's second summer signing following the arrival of striker Alvaro Rodriguez from Elche for a deal worth up to £25.7m. The club, now managed by Marco Rose, is aiming for stability after selling over £200m worth of players last year. They are determined to resist offers for key players Alex Scott, Rayan and Junior Kroupi.