Lazio and Shakhtar Donetsk suddenly have more competition for Benfica full-back Alex Grimaldo, as Manchester City joined the fray.
O Jogo had reported that Maurizio Sarri and Roberto De Zerbi were both targeting the Spanish left-back, who turns 26 in September.
Neither of them were prepared to meet the asking price of at least €20m.
However, now Portuguese transfer expert Pedro Almeida claims that Manchester City have dived in and begun negotiations with Benfica.
This has also prompted the club to raise their demands to €30m, hoping once the Premier League champions are involved, they can command more for his fee.
Last season, Grimaldo contributed two goals and an impressive 10 assists in his 43 competitive matches for Benfica.
He started out in the Valencia and Barcelona youth academies before moving to Lisbon in January 2016.
His main position is left-back, but Grimaldo can also play in a more advanced left wide midfield role, or even in a central slot.
Open talks between #ManchesterCity and #Benfica by #Grimaldo. The Portuguese club wants 30M€ by the player. 🔵🇪🇦 #MCFC #Transfers pic.twitter.com/LHPrxBj8aw
— Pedro Almeida (@pedrogva6) July 31, 2021