Reinforcements for Weston McKennie and Tim Weah? Juventus make Antonio Silva approach

Juventus are considering a move for Benfica's out-of-favour talented centre-back Antonio Silva in the upcoming January transfer window, according to a report from Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t Calciomercato). Silva's contract expires on June 30, 2027, and the defender has a €100 million buyout clause inserted in his current contract.

Juventus are desperate to add some defensive muscle to their squad, having already lost Gleison Bremer and Juan Cabal to ACL injuries earlier in the season. Losing two regulars to long-term injuries has caused a fair few problems to Bianconeri boss Thiago Motta, who would be relieved to have some reinforcements at his disposal in January. Juve have already been linked to several names in recent months, such as Lyon's Nicolas Tagliafico, PSG's Milan Skriniar, and the English duo of Harry Maguire and Eric Dier.

Silva, per Gazzetta dello Sport, is unhappy with his current role in Benfica. Manager Bruno Lage has preferred 22-year-old centre-back Tomas Araujo ahead of Silva, and now the young defender wants to seek greener pastures.

Jorge Mendes, Silva's agent, has already presented Juventus' first proposal for the player to Benfica, which was a loan with an option to buy. However, Benfica president Rui Costa rejected the offer and closed the door to any departures in January.

Mendes and Juventus sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli, though, will continue to keep working behind the scenes to ensure this move materialises in the coming weeks.

Motta's troops will next face the head coach's former team, Bologna, in a tricky Serie A encounter on Saturday, December 7. Juventus are currently in sixth place in the table with 26 points from 14 games.