Benfica ponder moves for Algerian duo

Midfielder and striker on agenda of Lisbon club

Benfica’s attempt at signing Hassan Yebda, a French midfielder of Algerian descent, may be at risk as the player’s agent, Luis da Costa, is starting to grow impatient with Portuguese club dragging their feet. The Lisbon outfit are not the only club interested in the Le Mans player as Premiership side Wigan Athletic, are also in the running.

The agent had announced last week that the player was “95% Benfica’s,” and that only minor details had to be sorted between the two parties. But da Costa has grown frustrated with the slow negotiation process.

Benfica are still interested in taking Yebda on but have asked for an extension in making their decision, as they are simultaneously trying to fill their coaching vacancy which may very well be the source of the delay.

“Rui Costa phoned us and asked us to wait one more day and we will do so because the player has always given preference to Benfica,” da Costa told Portuguese daily Record.

Striker sounded out

Another player Benfica have shown interest in is striker Rafik Djebbour. The Algerian forward plies his trade with Greek club Panionios and admits that the Lisbon side have contacted him to ask about his availability.

“I have been contacted by Benfica, but I prefer not to speak now. I will decide my future at the end of May or beginning of June. I will analyse all the offers that have been made,” said Djebbour.

The player’s agent, Kimonas Kokorogiannis, claimed his client is being heavily sought after by clubs in Germany, Italy, England and France, but that Benfica is viewed as a very good destination for the Algerian international.

Djebbour has played the last two seasons with Panionios and has made a total of 31 appearances, scoring 18 goals. The marksman has also represented Atromitos FC, Ethinkos Asteras and La Louviere.