Lima nears Benfica exit

Portuguese daily newspaper Record has suggested that Benfica are prepared to listen to offers for star forward Rodrigo Jose Lima.

The Brazilian remains an important member of the squad at Estadio da Luz, but his current contract is due to expire in June 2016.

And with the highly rated forward set to turn 32 next summer, Benfica officials are ready to seriously consider any proposal that arrives for his services.

Lima has enjoyed several successful years in Portugal’s elite division playing for Belenenses and Sporting Braga, but it was the switch to Benfica in the summer of 2012 that put him on the map.

The forward has since bagged 46 goals in 79 league outings, while adding another seven in European competitions.

Lima has started 22 league matches this term and netted 12 times, but has been pretty disappointing in the Champions League, having failed to register a goal in six group matches.