Aston Villa, Celtic, Everton and Sheffield Wednesday scouts watched Benfica take on Braga on Monday.
Benfica’s Estadio da Luz
According to Portuguese outlet Sapo Desporto, a host of scouts attended Benfica’s clash with Braga on Monday evening, including Aston Villa, Celtic, Everton and Sheffield Wednesday.
Benfica played host to Braga in the Primeira Liga on Monday evening, and ran out 3-1 winners to make it 13 points fro a possible 15 as they sit top of the table.
Aston Villa Manager Roberto Di Matteo
Two goals from Kostas Mitroglou either side of Pizzi’s strike had Benfica 3-1 up, before Lazar Rosic hit a late consolation for Braga on a miserable evening for Jose Peseiro’s side.
Intriguingly though, it seems a number of scouts were at the Estadio da Luz to watch the two sides lock horns, with many of them British.
Benfica’s Estadio da Luz
Sapo Desporto report that whilst Inter Milan were there to see Benfica centre back Victor Lindelof in action, the likes of Arsenal, Aston Villa, Celtic, Everton, Manchester United and Sheffield Wednesday also had representation at the game.
Whilst Arsenal and Manchester United are likely to have been watching top young talents like Lindelof and Goncalo Guedes, it’s unclear who the other teams were making a check on.
Sheffield Wednesday manager Carlos Carvalhal
Sheffield Wednesday have explored the Portuguese market on a number of occasions since Carlos Carvalhal’s appointment as manager last summer, and it would be little surprise to see him identify other players worth signing in Portugal.
Celtic have been present at a host of Benfica games over the last couple of years, whilst Aston Villa and Everton have considerable money behind them at their respective levels, and could line up ambitious moves for Benfica or Braga players in January.
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