Bournemouth are in talks with Benfica to sign Portugal defender Antonio Silva as a replacement for Marcos Senesi.

The Cherries have targeted the 22-year-old following Senesi’s decision to leave on a free transfer and join Tottenham Hotspur.

Silva is seen as a good ball-playing replacement for the Argentina centre-back, although Benfica have paused further progression in the talks as they look to get through Europa League qualifying.

The Portuguese club face St Gallen in Switzerland on 23 July, with the return a week later in Lisbon.

Silva has been a regular for Benfica since breaking into the first team in 2022 and has featured in the Champions League, Europa League and Club World Cup.

He has 20 caps and was in Portugal’s squads for the 2022 World Cup and Euro 2024 but was not selected by Roberto Martinez for this summer’s tournament.

Silva would become Bournemouth‘s second signing of the summer after the arrival of striker Alvaro Rodriguez from Elche in a deal worth up to £25.7m.

Bournemouth, who have a new manager in Marco Rose, are aiming for a summer of stability after selling more than £200m worth of players last year.

They are determined to resist offers for three of their key players – Alex Scott, Rayan and Junior Kroupi.