Real Madrid linked to Matic; Atletico eyeing Rodrigo Moreno

Real Madrid linked to Matic

Benfica star Nemanja Matic could be the subject of a January bid from Real Madrid, reports Correio da Manha.

Los Blancos have long ago been alerted of the Serbian midfielder’s potential, but they appear ready to step up their interest.

With Sami Khedira picking up a season-ending injury and Xabi Alonso’s long-term future still in doubt, the La Liga side look set to make a move on Matic.

However, Real Madrid could face stiff competition for the player’s signature from Napoli and Chelsea, who are also thought to be interested.

And while Benfica are not too keen on selling their prized asset, it is believed they would not be able to resist a big money bid.

Matic, who has a €50 million release clause inserted in his deal, is widely regarded as one of Europe’s top holding midfielders.

Atletico eyeing Rodrigo Moreno

Spanish daily newspaper AS understands that Atletico Madrid are weighing up a January move for Benfica forward Rodrigo Moreno.

It is no secret los Colchoneros are searching for attacking reinforcements and they have so far been linked with Bundesliga stars Diego, Roberto Firmino and Pierre-Michel Lasogga.

However, AS reports that Atletico Madrid are also keeping close tabs on Benfica starlet Rodrigo Moreno.

With the 22-year-old seeing little playing time this season, the La Liga side are hoping to sign him on a cut-price deal in January.

Rodrigo had come through the youth ranks at Real Madrid, but it was at Estadio da Luz that he made a name for himself.

The talented forward made a total of 49 Primeira Liga appearances for the Eagles and scored 17 goals.

After narrowly missing out on the league trophy last season, Benfica are 7/4 to make things right this term.

Labyad, Jeffren near Sporting exit

Sporting Lisbon are set to offload midfielders Zakaria Labyad and Jeffren Suarez in the January window, according to Record.

The Lions are finding it hard to keep hold of their star players with top European clubs casting admiring glances, but at the same time, they are looking to get rid of some dead weight.

Namely, the Primeira Liga side are set to cash in on fringe players Zakaria Labyad and Jeffren Suarez in the winter transfer window.

Both players arrived at Estadio Jose Alavalade as some of Europe’s hottest prospects, but they have utterly failed to prove their worth at the club.

As a result, the duo has been training with the reserves over the last six months and it appears their spell with the Lions is coming to an end.

And everything suggests that Jeffren and Labyad will be returning to Spanish La Liga and Dutch Eredivisie respectively.

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