Benfica interested in Nantes keeper

Benfica are already looking at upgrades for next season and according to reports out of France are interested in Nantes starting keeper Alban Lafont. The 24 year old who has been with Nantes since the summer of 2019 has not only caught the attention of the Portuguese giants but of clubs around Europe.

Lafont's name has also been mentioned as a potential future member of France's national side after having already appeared for all of his nations youth squads. Lafont has appeared in 144 games for Nantes across all competitions and posted 35 clean sheets in that time. Lafont also spent a season in Italy as a member of Fiorentina during the 2018/19 season.

Benfica to face Inter Milan on path to Finals

Benfica have been drawn today against Italian club Inter Milan in the quarter final stage of the Champions League as the club looks to make their way to the Finals of the Champions League for the first time since 1990 when the competition was known as the European Cup. Benfica will host the first game at the Estadio da Luz on April 11 or 12 then travel to Milan for the second leg on April 18 or 19.

The winner of the Benfica/Inter Milan clash will then move on to face the winner of the Napoli/AC Milan encounter in the semi-final round set to take place in May before then making their way to the Finals in Istanbul on June 10 which is fittingly Portugal Day. Benfica's path sees them avoid, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Chelsea and Manchester City until the finals of the competition.

Benfica could look within league for new left back

Benfica may need to look at replacing current starting left back Alex Grimaldo at seasons end when the Spaniard is set to become a free agent, as the club and 27 year old have yet to come to an agreement on a new contract with the seasoning entering its final third. Benfica acquired left back Mihailo Ristic this past summer but the 27 year old has seen limited action in part to injuries and in part to Grimaldo's fine form this season.

If Benfica are unable to reach an agreement with Grimaldo the club could follow the example of their league rivals and look to acquire a player for a discounted price from inside their respective league. There are a pair of league players who could compete with Ristic for a spot in the starting XI next season and Benfica manager Roger Schmidt may just be able to work some magic a la Joao Mario with one of the two players below.

Leonardo Lelo - Casa Pia - 22 years old

Lelo has had a fantastic season for Casa Pia and has caught the attention of Portuguese clubs, he has appeared in 17 league games, scoring one goal while setting up three. Lelo came up through Olhanense's youth system and has recently received a call up to Portugal's Under 21 squad. Lelo is a complete left back who can take set pieces and has excellent crosses into the box.

Ricardo Mangas - Boavista - 24 years old

Mangas is a former Seixal academy product, so the club has some familiarity with the player, he has appeared in 19 league games this season, scoring two goals. Mangas spent last season on loan with French club Bordeaux where he was regular starter but was returned back to Boavista at seasons end after the French sides relegation. Mangas has a good first touch and speed that allows him to be dangerous in the attacking zone.