Bournemouth open talks for Benfica's Silva as Senesi exits for Tottenham

Marcos Senesi’s free transfer to Tottenham Hotspur has triggered Bournemouth’s pursuit of Benfica centre-back Antonio Silva, with talks now under way between the clubs. The 22-year-old Portugal international, regarded as one of Europe’s most promising young defenders, is viewed as a ball-playing replacement for the Argentina defender who left on a free transfer. But negotiations have stalled — Benfica have paused further progress while they focus on Europa League qualifying, starting with a trip to Swiss side St Gallen on 23 July. Silva has been a regular in Lisbon since breaking into the first team in 2022, featuring in the Champions League, Europa League and Club World Cup. He has 20 caps for Portugal and was in the squads for the 2022 World Cup and Euro 2024, though Roberto Martinez did not select him for this summer’s tournament. If the deal goes through, Silva would become Bournemouth’s second summer signing, following the arrival of striker Alvaro Rodriguez from Elche in a deal worth up to £25.7m. The Cherries are under new manager Marco Rose and aiming for stability after selling more than £200m worth of players last year. They are determined to resist offers for three key players: Alex Scott, Rayan, and Junior Kroupi. Meanwhile, away from the pitch, former England youth international Kelci Bowers — who rose through the Lionesses’ ranks — is currently dating Senesi, the man whose departure forced Bournemouth’s switch hunt.