According to Goal, Liverpool have been scouting Benfica defender Antonio Silva in recent weeks.
The so-called ‘superstar’ centre-back is also being courted by Real Madrid and Tottenham, so one would imagine that Liverpool will face quite the battle when it comes to trying to sign the 19-year-old.
However, while competition from Madrid and Spurs may be tough to contend with, Liverpool may have a secret weapon in this chase in the shape of Julian Ward.
Indeed, Ward used to work for the Portuguese FA, and during his time there he became good friends with former AC Milan midfielder Rui Costa.
This was documented by Neil Jones on RedMen TV a few months ago.
“Rui Costa, it’s funny you mention him, I know Julian Ward is on his way out, but he has a good relationship with Julian Ward. I’ve heard Julian Ward speak about Rui Costa and their conversations in the past, not about players, but Julian was involved with the Portuguese FA so it’s that sort of thing. It ticks a lot of boxes there,” Jones said.
Costa is now the President of Benfica, and he will have a massive say when it comes to what happens with Silva’s future, and his good relationship with Ward should bode well for Liverpool.
However, there is an issue here.
Ward is leaving Liverpool this summer, so if the Reds want to make the most of his contacts in Portugal and get the signing of Silva over the line, they’ll have to get moving quite quickly on this transfer strategy.
Whether or not Liverpool do decide to go for Silva or not remains to be seen, but if they are intent on getting him in, they should act quickly and make the most of Ward’s relationship with Costa to help them get a deal over the line.
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