Scouting, Cristiano Ronaldo makes big recommendation to ex-club but Reds respond first

Although still active and still in top shape judging from his latest workout videos on social media, Cristiano Ronaldo could consider a role as a talent scout when he does finally decide to hang up his boots.

The Daily Mail has reported that Liverpool has sent scouts to Benfica to monitor 20-year-old Portuguese defender Antonio Silva, who was previously recommended to Manchester United by CR7 while he was still at Old Trafford.

Man United management have dragged their feet and could lose out on the highly-rated Portuguese talent who can operate on the right side of defense and center-back.

It would be another heartbreaking moment for CR7, whose relationship with Man United was spoilt on his return to the club, should the youngster end up with their rivals instead.

Liverpool view the youngster as a long-term investment to partner French international Ibrahima Konate with former Cameroon defender Joel Matip and the Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk both already in their 30s.

Jurgen Klopp is thin on options at the back, with only Joe Gomez as an experienced option with only 20-year-old Jarell Quansah as the other real option for the German coach.

Matip is out for the season because of suffering an ACL injury against Fulham last month, which means he will only be back for preseason after his 33rd birthday forcing the club to plan for the future.

The Liverpool scouts have also been tasked to monitor Sporting Lisbon's center-back Ousmane Diomande, who is set to represent Ivory Coast at the Africa Cup of Nations this month.

Klopp is however not a fan of the AFCON, so it remains to be seen if he will consider the highly rated Ivorian center-back and bring him to Anfield next season.