Benfica have entered the race for Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder Daichi Kamada, who will be available for free this summer.
Frankfurt have announced that the Japanese midfielder will leave the club at the end of this season when his contract runs out.
It was previously reported that Barcelona and Atletico Madrid were the front-runners in the transfer race, but a new report from Record claims that Benfica are in pole position to sign him.
Barca have been monitoring the 26-year-old for a while after being impressed with his performances at Frankfurt.
Kamada helped the Eagles win the Europa League last season – beating Barca in the quarter-finals – and was also instrumental in qualifying for the last-16 in the Champions League this term before being defeated by Napoli.
The Japanese international has been one of the best players in an otherwise struggling campaign for Frankfurt in the Bundesliga, netting seven goals and four assists.
Barca’s financial troubles have seen them zero in on the best free transfers, but they could miss out on Kamada.
Atletico have identified Kamada as one of the top targets for the summer, but they may have to direct their attention towards alternatives.
Kamada is an attacking midfielder by trade but has excelled as one of the double pivots for Frankfurt this season.
Benfica will be preparing for another busy summer, with most of their prized assets linked with an exit.
Goncalo Ramos, Antonio Silva, Alejandro Grimaldo and Florentino Luis are among the players wanted by European heavyweights.
However, the Portuguese giants can cope because of their shrewd transfer business, excellent scouting and a world-class youth academy.
