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It’s no secret that Middlesbrough sent scouts to watch Benfica’s Portuguese league game last weekend.

When the scouting list was published, there were no local reports saying which player Boro were watching. A few English publications add 2+2 and maybe hit the bullseye with 4 (or got it wrong), and said the target was Lindelof, given the club’s previous links.

The Portuguese press couldn’t ignore it, and A Bola have published an article commenting on these claims.

They report what was said in England but warn that Middlesbrough would have heavy competition in case they still want Lindelof, since Inter Milan, Juventus, Napoli, Liverpool, Valencia, Chelsea and Paris Saint German are all keeping an eye on him.

Lindelof almost signed for Boro in January, as the clubs had agreed a loan deal with an option to buy. He wasn’t so highly rated back then, and that’s why Benfica didn’t mind him leaving.

However, central-defender Lisandro López got injured and the Swedish international ended up staying at the Portuguese side. His form has increased impressively in the following months, as has his asking price.

Benfica are currently working on a new deal so they can increase his release clause, which currently is €30m.

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