Manchester City have made ‘significant progress’ in their move for Benfica’s Ruben Dias, and an understanding between the clubs should be sorted ‘early next week’.
That’s according to A Bola, who provide the latest update on the defender’s seemingly impending move to the Etihad.
Reports emerged last night that City were closing in on the Portuguese centre-back, with Pep Guardiola having chased another addition for the centre of his defence all summer.
That was followed by reports in O Jogo and Record this morning, with both saying that a potential €70m deal was on the cards.
A Bola now back their counterparts up and say Manchester City contacted Benfica a couple of days ago to tell them they are willing to pay €55m plus Nicolas Otamendi, who is valued at €15m, for Dias.
That was very much a ‘take it or leave it’ offer, and there has now been ‘significant progress’ in negotiations in the last few hours.
Indeed, the newspaper states that it appears a deal ‘will be sealed’ between the two clubs early next week, with the guaranteed €55m seen as ‘indispensable’ for Benfica after missing out on the Champions League.
Dias’ stance isn’t mentioned, but he’s featuring in Benfica’s clash with Moreinense this evening, having been named in the starting line up by manager Jorge Jesus.
That will allow him one final appearance at the Estádio da Luz in Benfica’s ‘eagle jersey’ before his move to Manchester City, which appears to be ‘very close’ to completion.
