Benfica linked with Roma winger Kluivert

Benfica's move for winger Ricardo Horta continues to stall due to a breakdown in negotiations between Braga and Malaga who both own a percentage of the players playing rights. Benfica though are not taking any chances and are looking to alternative options with the transfer window just weeks away from closing until January.

One name that has popped up over the past few days is Roma winger Justin Kluivert, who's main position is no different then Horta's but he would come with a much bigger annual salary, just shy of €4M per season. The 23 year old has spent the past two seasons on loan already with RB Leipzig and Nice and does not look to be in Roma manager Jose Mourinho's plans once again.

Kluivert the son of former Dutch international Patrick appeared in 31 games across all competitions for Nice last season, scoring six goals while setting up another six. Benfica would prefer to close the Horta move after already agreeing on a five year contract with the player but need to keep their options open in case the deal falls through and Kluivert is on the agenda.

Benfica deals stalling over money

Benfica are still hoping to land a couple of players before the transfer window closes in a few weeks and two of the players most linked with the club for some time now are Braga winger Ricardo Horta and Feyenoord defensive midfielder Fredrik Aursnes but both of these acquisitions seem stalled now due to money demands by their respective clubs.

Feyenoord manager Arne Slot has recently stated that Aursnes will not be leaving the club after a breakdown in negotiations as the Dutch side are now demanding €15M for the Norwegian's services up from the earlier reported €10M, while the Horta situation is more complicated as Malaga still own 66% of the players playing rights and are currently in discussions with Braga over selling price.

Horta is said to have already agreed to terms with Benfica and the Lisbon side has tabled a €15M offer along with the playing rights of Gil Dias and a loan of striker Rodrigo Pinho. In other news Benfica have loaned midfielder Gabriel to Botafogo for a year with an option to extend the loan until the end of 2023.

Benfica advance to playoff round of Champions League

Benfica have advanced to the final playoff round of the Champions League after a convincing 7-2 aggregate victory over two legs against Danish club Midtjylland which concluded earlier today with a 3-1 away win. Benfica will now face Ukrainian club Dynamo Kiev who advanced in additional extra time over Sturm Graz.

The winner of this two leg playoff round will clinch a spot in the Champions League group stage and be awarded a hefty prize bonus of around €40M, while the other will drop down into the group stage of the Europa League. Benfica will play the first leg away on August 17 and host the return leg a week later on the 24th at the Luz. 

Dynamo will host Benfica in a neutral site game in Poland due to the on going war currently taking place in the Ukraine and have played in only four competitive games to date this year which have all taken place over the past few weeks as they to reach the group stage.