Benfica are close to signing Enzo Barrenechea from Aston Villa, with CNN reporting that the move is now down to final contractual details.
The Portuguese club already have a verbal agreement in place with the Argentine midfielder for a long-term deal, likely valid for four or five seasons.
Talks with Aston Villa are described as advanced, with the transfer now hinging on the structure of a future resale clause.
Benfica are edging towards a total package of €15m (around £12.6m), including bonuses, but are negotiating to lower a proposed 30% future sell-on clause demanded by Villa.
The Premier League side are reluctant to give up full rights to the player, as they see strong resale potential.
CNN Portugal journalist Bruno Andrade reports “the negotiation is already well structured,” adding that “only an agreement with Aston Villa is missing.”
He said the current Benfica bid is between €10m and €12m (£8.4m–£10.1m), while the English club are holding out for the full €15m.
Barrenechea, 24, was developed at Newell’s Old Boys and has previously played for FC Sion, Frosinone, Juventus and Valencia. He joined Aston Villa last year for around €8m (approx. £6.7m) and spent last season on loan in La Liga.
The deal is now considered to be at the final details stage, with all parties working to conclude terms in the coming days.
