According to the Portuguese newspaper O Jogo, Benfica could sign him for even less than his release clause, which is estimated to be around $10 million (£8.3 million).
Benfica are reportedly looking for a replacement for Argentina World Cup star Enzo Fernandez, who is expected to join Chelsea in January.
Chelsea entered the race to sign Fernandez this week, informing the midfielder’s representatives – and Benfica president Rui Costa – that they are willing to pay the midfielder’s €120 million (£106 million) release clause.
According to football transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, The Londoners hope to avoid paying his £105 million release clause all at once. They still have to pay a large sum, but they prefer to spread it out over a longer period of time.
Following his country’s World Cup victory in Qatar, Manchester United and Liverpool were eager to sign Fernandez, and both clubs held talks with Portuguese side Benfica about a move, but they became hesitant due to his high price tag.
Chelsea are already talking about personal terms with Fernandez, and Benfica manager Roger Schmidt has hinted that the player will be leaving soon.
It has now been revealed that Benfica are close to signing a replacement for Fernandez, with the club in talks with Maximo Perrone.
Perrone, an Argentine who is thought to play in a similar style to Fernandez, turns 20 in January and currently plays for Velez Sarsfield in Argentina.
Perrone has previously been linked with Manchester City and Newcastle United, and he has also been linked with Wolves.
According to the Portuguese newspaper O Jogo, Benfica could sign him for even less than his release clause, which is estimated to be around $10 million (£8.3 million).
Meanwhile, Benfica manager Schmidt appears adamant that Fernandez will leave the club, telling reporters on Thursday: ‘We all know what football is like.
‘There are opportunities for these young people, and it’s not just about Enzo. If they have opportunities, they must make decisions, and I respect them for doing so.
‘I can give them advice, but they only have one career. If I can persuade or influence them in some way, I will try, but I will accept their decisions’.