Benfica linked to Utrecht winger

The Dutch press are reporting that Benfica are interested in landing Utrecht winger Gyrano Kerk during this transfer window as the Lisbon side continues their search to bolster their squad for the upcoming season. The 25 year old has also been linked with a move to Anderlecht who are said to have already had a €4M offer rejected by the Dutch club.

Kerk has been with Utrecht since joining their U19 club during the summer of 2012 and became a regular member of the main squad during the 2016/17 season. Kerk has appeared in 173 games across all competitions for Utrecht, scoring 42 goals while setting up an additional 43. Benfica will need an offer of around €10M for Utrecht to part ways with the winger. 

Benfica and Roma inquire about Getafe midfielder

According to Spanish page MARCA both Benfica and Roma have spoken to Getafe officials about the current status of Serbian midfielder Nemanja Maksimovic but neither club has yet to make a formal offer for the 26 year old's services. Any negotiations for Maksimovic won't be easy as Valencia still hold 30% of the players rights and Getafe is looking for a knockout offer to proceed with any sale.

Maksimovic joined Getafe in the summer of 2018 for €10M and has appeared in 118 games across all competitions, scoring four goals while setting up one in his time with the club. Maksimovic has also seen time with Valencia, Astana and Verona's U19 side in his playing career and has earned 31 caps for the Serbian national side.

Pedro Pereira returns to Italy on loan

Benfica right back Pedro Pereira will be returning to Italy to join Serie B side Monza on loan with a mandatory option to make the move permanent in January for €3M. The 25 year old has a tonne of experience playing in Italy already having appeared with Sampdoria, Genoa and last season as a member of Crotone. 

Benfica acquired Pereira in the winter of 2017 from Sampdoria for €2.66M but he has appeared in only one league game with the club, spending the majority of his time as member away on loan. Pereira joins U21 international Danny Mota at Monza as the Italian side looks to earn promotion to Serie A.