Manchester United Could Sign Bruno Fernandes' Close Friend On $50M Deal As Edinson Cavani's Replacement

Manchester United have reportedly identified Eintracht Frankfurt's Andre Silva as an ideal replacement for Edinson Cavani ahead of the 2021 summer transfer window.

Cavani is being linked with a move away from Old Trafford this summer and Manchester United have wasted little time in looking for his replacement. The Red Devils are ready to match Silva's transfer fee of around $50 million at Eintracht Frankfurt, soccer website Teamtalk reported.

Silva is believed to be one of Bruno Fernandes' close friends as the two spend a lot of time together while on national duty with the Portuguese side, the report said. While Fernandes has scored two goals in 27 games for Portugal, Silva has a far better record with the national side, scoring 16 goals in 38 games.

Silva is also being chased by Borussia Dortmund as the club sees the Portuguese forward as a possible replacement for Erling Haaland, according to ESPN.

Haaland, who is contracted with Dortmund until 2024, has been linked with several other top European clubs ahead of the summer market, including Manchester United.

Manchester United signed Cavani on a one-year deal for free from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) last summer. His deal included an option to extend the contract for a year if all parties agreed. It is understood that while the Reds Devils are willing to activate the clause, Cavani wants to leave Europe to join Argentinian club Boca Juniors.

Silva has been in excellent form for the Bundesliga club Eintracht Frankfurt, having scored 25 goals in as many as 30 competitive games in the ongoing campaign.

The 25-year-old striker kickstarted his professional soccer career at Porto. Having graduated from the Portuguese club's youth set up, he made his first-team debut in 2015. He spent two seasons with Porto's senior side before moving to Serie A when AC Milan signed him on a five-year contract in 2017. He only played one full season with the Italian outfit before he was sent off on loan to La Liga side Seville. He scored 11 goals in 40 matches for the Spanish side across all competitions.

The Portuguese playmaker was then sent on a two-year loan to Eintracht Frankfurt ahead of the 2019-20 campaign. With 16 goals in 37 matches, including 12 league goals, Silva impressed the German club. They eventually signed a permanent three-year contract with the young striker.

After finishing ninth in Bundesliga last season, Eintracht Frankfurt are currently in third place in the ongoing top-flight league in Germany. Silva, who has scored 24 goals and seven assists in 28 league matches, has been a vital cog in his side's excellent run this season.