Benfica now worried that Leeds will beat them to ‘exciting’ £17m player

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Benfica are reportedly worried about Leeds United’s interest in AZ Alkmaar defender Milos Kerkez, with the Portuguese giants sweating that the fullback could move to Yorkshire.

According to Record via Sport Witness, Benfica remain confident that they can sign the Hungarian international having met with the player’s father in recent weeks, yet interest from the likes of Leeds and Borussia Dortmund in Kerkez is causing some doubts.

Valued at £17m according to Sky Sports News, the ‘exciting’ 19-year-old fullback has been one of the best defenders in Holland this season, with Kerkez scoring an impressive five goals and registering seven assists, with Benfica now looking to sign the teenager.

However, the Eagles now face a big battle against Leeds, who could have the finances this summer to land Kerkez if Javi Gracia is able to lead the Whites to Premier League safety, with the Yorkshire giants currently sat just two points ahead of the bottom three.

Indeed, whilst Benfica should have no fears in beating a club like Leeds to the signing of Kerkez, it speaks volume over how much power Premier League sides now have in the market that the Whites could go toe-to-toe with a UEFA Champions League quarter-finalist.

However, with Benfica on course for another Portuguese title and continuing to impress in Europe’s biggest club competition, Kerkez would be wise to sign for the Lisbon-based giants ahead of Leeds, even if there is the prospect of playing in the Premier League.

Kerkez should sign for Benfica over Leeds at this stage of his career

At 19, Kerkez is very much at the start of his footballing career, and whilst there will be an urge to move to England this summer, signing for Benfica could be a great decision for the Hungarian defender, who could develop into an incredible fullback whilst in Portugal.

The European giants are a side who pride themselves in developing young players and selling them on for huge profits later down the line, and Kerkez could easily become the latest success story for Benfica if the left-back opts to move to Portugual rather than a move to the Premier League with Leeds.