Benfica's shot at league title dims

Benfica's hope of recapturing the Portuguese League title continues to get further and further away after the club dropped points once again in league action earlier today. Benfica could be as far back as nine points from top spot once Week 18 in Portugal wraps up depending what happens with league leader FC Porto in their encounter tomorrow.

The season has just passed the half way point and with sixteen games of action left to go, anything is still possible but Benfica will need to go on a remarkable run and get help along the way, since they no longer control their own destiny. Benfica have been on what would be considered a mediocre run in league play with a 5-2-2 record in their last nine league games after starting the first nine 8-0-1.

Benfica who are currently led by intern manager Nelson Verissimo after the dismissal of Jorge Jesus, look like a club that is in need of a make over not a total overhaul. The club has some great young pieces and quality veteran presence but need to clear out some spare parts (which I will name in a future article) to get back on track and capture their 38th league crown, just don't expect it this season.

Benfica linked to Famalicao's left back

According to reports from Spanish daily AS, Benfica have been linked with Famalicao left back Adrian Marian who is currently spending the season with the Portuguese club on loan from Granada. Benfica are not alone in their pursuit of the 25 year old as Braga are also a club that are said to be interested in Marin's services.

Marin has appeared in 17 games across all competitions for Famalicao, scoring one goal. Marin came up through Villareal's youth system before moving onto Leganes, Alaves and then Granada. Famalicao has an undisclosed option to make Marin's loan move permanent at seasons end, in which time they can then flip the player for a profit to one of it's league rivals.

Benfica linked to Flamengo left back Ramon

Benfica are said to have their eye on Flamengo's 20 year old left back Ramon Ramos Lima as a potential replacement for current left back Alex Grimaldo who is currently in stalled contract talks with the club. Grimaldo's contract is set to expire at the end of next season and Benfica are doing their best to lock up the 26 year old with other clubs already hovering.

Ramon is a player that Benfica have had their eye on for some time and is considered a jewel of the Flamengo club but although the Lisbon side is interested they have not made any formal offer for the player's services. Ramon joined Flamengo in the winter of 2017 and appeared in 30 games across all competitions last season.