Manchester United are reportedly in pole position to sign an £86m-rated Benfica defender in the summer transfer window.

Erik ten Hag has struggled to settle on a consistent centre back pairing this season following injury lay-offs for Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire, while Raphael Varane is expected to leave the club when his contract expires at the end of the season.

Bringing in a new central defender is a priority at United this summer, and they have already set their sights on a rising star from Portugal.

According to O Jogo, the Red Devils are leading the race to sign 20-year-old Antonio Silva, who has made 35 appearances for Benfica this season.

Silva - a seven-cap Portugal international - has starred for the Portuguese giants, who are currently two points clear of Sporting Lisbon at the top of the Primeira Liga table, albeit having played a game more than their rivals.

His deal at Benfica runs until 2027, but he has an £86m release clause in his contract.

United could look to trigger this at the end of the season, and have already made contact with Gestifute, the agency company that represents Silva.

Gestifute are well-known for working with Portuguese players, as they currently represent Ruben Dias, Bernardo Silva and Diogo Jota among others.

Chelsea have also been linked with Silva in recent weeks, but United currently have the upper hand when it comes to securing his signature.

They have watched a number of his games this season, and reportedly 'know everything' about him as they ponder a summer swoop.

Silva is not the only centre back that United are interested in as they have also been monitoring Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite.

The 21-year-old defender has impressed for the Toffees this term after returning from a loan spell at PSV Eindhoven. 

He has a long-term contract at Everton until 2027, and the Merseyside club have reportedly slapped a £100m price tag on their prized asset in a bid to deter potential suitors.