Silva expected to play in second leg of Europa League qualifier before Cherries move

ANTONIO Silva is, at this stage, expected to play for Benfica in their Europa League second qualifying round second leg game against St Gallen on Thursday with the Cherries’ move for the centre back.

As reported, the centre back was always set to play at least the first leg of Benfica’s tie, which was last Thursday, but whether he was going to play the second was a point of negotiation.

Now, it is understood that he is likely to play the second leg too, with the Portuguese club trailing 2-1 after last week’s match.

Then, the club will hope to complete the move and bring Silva to Dorset in a deal expected to be worth €25million plus €5m in add-ons.

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Head coach Marco Rose spoke candidly to BBC Radio Solent on the topic after their first pre-season friendly against St Pauli.

"I think it’s not a secret that we want to have this player and that we are in talks and that we are very close," he said.

"It’s not up to me to say something more.

"We want this player.

"The player wants to join us and the clubs are in talks.

"I think that’s nothing new.

"And now we are waiting for him."