A midfielder linked with moves to Leeds United, Southampton and Fulham this summer is ‘very close’ to joining Monaco, according to A Bola.
Leeds were reported to be ‘moving forward with a plan’ after meeting with representatives of the Benfica midfielder, Florentino Luis, in July (Tuttomercatoweb), while it was claimed that Southampton had entered the race to sign him from ‘under the noses’ of Fulham this week (The Sun).
Benfica were said to want between €20-30million (£18.3-27.5m) to part with Florentino (Tuttomercatoweb), but he is expected to leave on loan, according to A Bola.
The Portuguese website claims that Monaco will pay €2m (around £1.8m) for the privilege and will not have an option to buy the 21-year-old at the end of his deal, which ‘will be settled’ this week.
The likes of Leeds, Southampton and Fulham could still have another chance to sign him, however, with A Bola adding that he will either return to Benfica or be sold next summer.
Neither Leeds nor Southampton have added to their central midfield options so far this summer, in contrast to Fulham, who have brought in Harrison Reed and Mario Lemina from the Saints.
Florentino has played 32 times for Benfica and won three under-21 caps for Portugal.
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