Manchester United have the edge of Barcelona and Real Madrid

Bernardo Silva of Monaco celebrates his goal during the French Ligue 1 match between Paris Saint Germain and Monaco at Parc des Princes on January 29, 2017 in Paris, France. (Photo by Anthony Dibon/Icon Sport) (Photo by Andre Ferreira/Icon Sport via Getty Images)
Bernardo Silva of Monaco celebrates his goal during the French Ligue 1 match between Paris Saint Germain and Monaco at Parc des Princes on January 29, 2017 in Paris, France. (Photo by Anthony Dibon/Icon Sport) (Photo by Andre Ferreira/Icon Sport via Getty Images) /
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Manchester United have an edge for Bernardo Silva

If Antoine Griezmann is Manchester United’s top transfer target this summer, you can mark down Monaco starlet Bernardo Silva as the club’s second highest priority. Fortunately for United, they have a distinct advantage over the likes of Barcelona and Real Madrid in the chase for the Portuguese attacker.

Reports from France claim that United have the right of first refusal when it comes to signing Silva this summer. Presumably, that means that United will either be given an exclusive negotiating window or they’ll have the chance to match any offer. Either advantage could allow the Premier League giants to defeat the La Liga giants for his services.

In some ways, Silva might fit United’s squad better than Griezmann in the short-term. The Frenchman would add to Mourinho’s logjam at striker, while Silva could ease into the club’s number ten vacancy. Neither Wayne Rooney or Juan Mata is the long-term answer for the club.

The talented 22-year-old is a big reason why Monaco are still alive in both Champions League competition and the Ligue 1 title race. He’s part of a dynamic squad that’s massively exceeded most people’s expectations this season. Unfortunately for Monaco fans (both of you), the club’s excellent play has brought scouts to their matches in droves.

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That means that Monaco will face a tough battle to keep hold of their top talent this summer. In addition to Silva, Fabinho is a prime target for many of Europe’s top clubs. The talented Brazilian has dominated the midfield for his club. He could easily be a target for a number of the clubs interested in Silva. Don’t be shocked to see rumours of a double-swoop start to crop up as the summer approaches.

Manchester United will likely be one of the clubs that inquires about both of Monaco’s prized assets. There’s no word as to whether or not they enjoy a similar advantage when it comes to Fabinho. Perhaps they’ll be on equal footing with Real Madrid and Barcelona there.

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That’s an issue for another day. Manchester United need to make sure they don’t let their advantage with Silva pass them by. If they hesitate for even a moment, it may allow Real Madrid and Barcelona to swoop in and steal Silva away. That would be a silly mistake for the Premier League giants.