Bournemouth are in negotiations with Benfica over the signing of Portugal international Antonio Silva, with the highly-rated defender identified as the club's preferred replacement for Marcos Senesi.
The Cherries moved for the 22-year-old after Senesi opted to join Tottenham Hotspur on a free transfer, with Silva viewed as an ideal ball-playing successor at the heart of the defence.
Talks between the clubs are ongoing, although Benfica have temporarily slowed negotiations as they focus on their upcoming Europa League qualifying campaign. The Portuguese side face Swiss club St Gallen in the first leg on 23 July before hosting the return fixture in Lisbon a week later.
Silva has been a key figure for Benfica since making his breakthrough in 2022, establishing himself as one of Portugal's brightest defensive talents. He has gained valuable experience in the UEFA Champions League, Europa League and FIFA Club World Cup.
The centre-back has also earned 20 senior caps for Portugal and was included in the national squads for the 2022 FIFA World Cup and Euro 2024, although he was omitted from Roberto Martinez's squad for this summer's tournament.
If the deal is completed, Silva would become Bournemouth's second signing of the summer following the arrival of striker Alvaro Rodriguez from Elche in a deal worth up to £25.7 million.
Under new head coach Marco Rose, Bournemouth are looking to build stability after cashing in on more than £200 million worth of player sales last year. The Premier League club are also determined to fend off interest in key trio Alex Scott, Rayan and Junior Kroupi.
