Benfica turn to Boavista keeper Helton to shore up position

Benfica continue to look for a keeper to shore up the position and rumours from Portugal have the club eyeing Boavista keeper Helton Leite. Benfica have been after a keeper since the summer when their deal for Juventus keeper Mattia Perin fell through as they look for a more veteran presence with Ivan Zlobin and Mile Svilar both under the age of 22. Helton who is 29 joined Boavista in the summer of 2018 from Brazilian side Botafogo and has appeared in 28 games for the club across all competitions but only in four games this season after suffering a ligament rupture in February 2019 that kept him out of the lineup until this past September. In his absence Boavista have turned over the number one role to veteran keeper Rafael Bracali and Benfica feel that Helton would be an excellent option behind current keeper Vlachodimos. A move for Helton would free up the club to loan current back up Zlobin to another side for more playing time as Benfica see the 22 youngster as the clubs potential number one keeper down the line.