Barcelona eyeing Lukaku swoop
Barcelona are considering a January bid for Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku, according to Spanish TV station TV3.
Gerardo Martino was looking to sign a new centre forward even before Lionel Messi picked up a hamstring injury, but the Argentine is now even more determined to add a high-profile striker to his ranks.
It is no secret the Catalans are looking at a number of players at the moment, with Chelsea’s Romelu Lukaku high on their hit-list.
The Belgian was forced to leave the Blues on loan in the summer after he was not given a chance to impress, and he has kick-started his career at Goodison Park.
Lukaku proved his credentials by notching 8 goals in 9 Premier League fixtures for the Toffees, and has in turn caught the eye of Europe’s top clubs.
And while Jose Mourinho remains adamant the 20-year-old will be returning to Stamford Bridge at the end of the campaign, Barcelona seem ready to test Chelsea’s resolve with a January bid.
Barcelona have seen their three-point advantage at the top of the league standings melt after the 1-0 defeat to Athletic Bilbao, but the Catalans remain 4/6 favourites for La Liga title.
Quaresma agrees Porto deal
Portuguese TV station Antena 1 has revealed that winger Riccardo Quaresma is closing in on the return to FC Porto.
The 30-year-old has reportedly agreed a two-and-a-half-year deal with the Dragons and is expected to sign as soon as he finalizes his exit from Al Ahli.
Quaresma is negotiating a January exit with his current employers and is widely tipped to leave the club on a free transfer in the coming weeks.
Riccardo Quaresma began his professional career at Sporting Lisbon, and went on to score 8 goals in 59 league appearances for the Lions before moving to Barcelona.
However, it was at Porto that he played the best football of his career and no wonder he is hoping to return to Estadio do Dragao.
Quaresma has also enjoyed spells with Inter Milan, Chelsea and Besiktas during his illustrious career, while earning 35 Portugal caps.
Benfica close on Brazilian starlet
Brazilian daily newspaper Lance! is reporting that Benfica are set to complete the signing of full-back Luis Felipe Dias from Palmeiras.
The Portuguese giants seem to have already agreed a transfer fee with the Brazilian club and the player is expected to travel to Lisbon next Tuesday.
He will then undergo necessary medical tests and sign a long-term deal with the Eagles thought to be four years long.
Benfica have been somewhat short of options on the right side of defence and the the 22-year-old footballer is expected to provide competition for Maxi Pereira at right-back.
Luis Felipe Dias has spent his entire career up to date as a Palmeiras player, although he did enjoy loan spells at Bragantino, Mogi Mirim, Boa and Penapolense.
He finally managed to establish himself as a first team regular this year and went on to start 23 league games for the Brazilian giants.
For more news about football transfers and rumours, visit our Transfer News section. To view all football transfers for 2013/14 season, visit our Soccer Transfers section.
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