Benfica bid for Argentine ace Escudero

U20 World Cup winner targeted by Eagles

News out of Argentina has surfaced that Benfica are chasing Velez Sarsfield ace Damien Ariel Escudero. The 21-year-old is reported to be on the verge of a move to the Portuguese giants as confirmed by club executive Beto Maceira.

“Negotiations have gone on in a light manner, but there have been some advances,” claimed Maceira. “After we received a formal fax from Benfica, we made a counter-offer and they have returned their response with an offer which permits a close approximation between the two parties.

“Allow me to stress there is no agreement as of yet. We will see what develops within the next few days.”

Escudero is considered one of the country’s hottest football properties and the Lisbon club are looking to pounce on the U20 World Cup winner before his valuation increases beyond Benfica’s means. The Argentine hotshot is a creative midfielder and would be slotted into the playmaker’s role with the club.

It is believed Benfica are willing to purchase 50% of the player’s rights to start with, allowing Escudero to move to Portugal this summer, with Velez holding on to the other 50% ownership.

Should the player arrive at Benfica, he will join fellow countryman and U20 World Cup winner, Angel Di Maria, who joined the Eagles last summer.