Liverpool have been ruled out of the race to sign Benfica centre-back Antonio Silva, according to journalist Jacque Talbot.
According to A Bola (via CalcioMercato) a few months ago, the Reds had identified the 19-year-old as a ‘concrete target’, as they look to bring in a central defender.
This was later followed by 90min’s claim that the Merseyside outfit had sent scouts to watch the Portugal international in action.
However, Talbot has put these rumours to bed, claiming on Twitter that Liverpool cannot afford to sign Silva in the summer.
“Antonio Silva will LEAVE this summer,” he wrote.
“We at FootballTransfers revealed Liverpool’s interest, but [the price] will be too much.”
Liverpool can’t afford to sign Silva
According to CalcioMercatoWeb, Silva has an £88m release clause in his contract at Benfica.
Therefore, no matter how good he is, Liverpool will not sign the defender – they simply cannot afford to.
The same situation is also the case for RB Leipzig star Josko Gvardiol, who the Reds have been touted with interest in.
However, he is rumoured to cost even more – up to £100m, so his arrival also appears off the table.
Silva would have been a fantastic signing for Liverpool given his incredible potential. Anfield legend Jamie Carragher has even tipped the youngster to be a ‘potential superstar’.
Despite this, the club will need to look elsewhere for more affordable options. Therefore, it begs the question why they aren’t trying to sign Eintracht Frankfurt defender Evan Ndicka, who is set to become a free agent this summer.