Two of the biggest clubs in Spanish football Barcelona and Real Madrid, want to sign Benfica player  Álvaro Carreras. That is according to reports by A Bola, who gave an insight into the developing situation on Friday.  Carreras, has been making waves for a long time in the Primeira Liga, which is why it’s not surprising that Barca and Real want him.  The left-back has been praised mainly for his offensive skills, with Carreras recording bags of pace with finished product to match.  His talents have gotten the attention of certain leading clubs in Europe, with Manchester United, who signed him to Benfica this summer, still monitoring developments around his future.  However, if the latest statement coming from Portugal is anything to hold on to, then La Liga is becoming the most likely destination for Carrerras, if he lives in Lisbon.  ‘Barcelona are keeping an eye on Carreras and the Champions League match in January could be decisive. Real Madrid are also keeping an eye on him and the Spaniards seem to have the advantage despite Manchester United’s clause.’

Benfica centre-back Antonio Silva could transfer in January, and Newcastle, Aston Villa and Juventus are interested in him. Silva is referred to as one of the best young defenders in Europe and he has made 17 senior appearances for Portugal’s first team.  Per source, Benfica’s president Rui Costa is set to hold a meeting with Silva in the next few days to talk about his future.  Despite the centre-back’s talent, Bruno Lage has given him only five league starts so far this season, with Nicolas Otamendi and Tomas Araujo ahead of him.  This is why Benfica wants Antonio to leave the club on loan in January and could add a buy clause worth €50 million (£41.2m / $52.5m). According to sources, Newcastle and Aston Villa are huge fans of Silva. Atletico Madrid have also shown interest in him, but they haven’t made any serious moves.