Manchester United are reigniting their pursuit of a Portugal international, while Manchester City are plotting a major move for a Bayern Munich star. Meanwhile, Romelu Lukaku’s potential Chelsea exit is also making headlines. Here’s Friday’s Euro Paper Talk.

Man Utd Reignite Transfer Pursuit

Manchester United have restarted their chase for Antonio Silva from Benfica after learning the 20-year-old can now be signed for a significantly reduced price.

Both Silva and his Benfica teammate Joao Neves have been linked with Man Utd over the past year. The two youngsters have immense potential, and their agent, Jorge Mendes, is eager to take them to Old Trafford.

Initially, Man Utd seemed to have cooled their interest in Silva while pursuing other center-backs. The Red Devils recently signed Leny Yoro from Lille for £52 million and have held talks for Jarrad Branthwaite and Matthijs de Ligt.

However, Man Utd part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is reluctant to meet Everton’s £70 million asking price for Branthwaite or Bayern’s £42 million demand for De Ligt. Ratcliffe is determined not to overpay for players, as Man Utd have done in the past, and feels those players aren’t worth those sums.

Renewed Interest in Silva

On Thursday, it emerged that Man Utd have renewed their interest in Silva, but only if an affordable deal can be struck. They are also considering Sporting CP’s Morten Hjulmand as a midfield alternative to Manuel Ugarte.

According to the latest reports in Portugal, Man Utd’s bid to sign Silva has received a significant boost. Initially, Benfica quoted an eye-watering £84 million, but they have now halved his price tag to £42 million to avoid angering the player.

Assessing the Deal

Man Utd will need to consider carefully whether Silva is worth this sum, given their reluctance to pay £42 million for De Ligt. However, Silva is four years younger and arguably has better potential, which might convince Ratcliffe to make an opening bid.

Silva appears more likely to join Man Utd than Neves, who is edging closer to a Paris Saint-Germain transfer.

Other Headlines:

• Man City Eye Bayern Swoop: Manchester City are plotting a sensational raid on Bayern Munich, though specific details are yet to emerge.
• Romelu Lukaku’s Chelsea Exit: New terms are being discussed for Romelu Lukaku’s potential departure from Chelsea.

This week’s Euro Paper Talk highlights the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of football transfers, with big moves potentially reshaping the upcoming season.