Ederson Moraes ‘practically a Man City’ player as Benfica offer deal to replacement

Manchester City are on the verge of capturing 23-year-old Ederson Moraes, one of the most highly-rated young goalkeepers in European football.

There are issues with third-party ownership that could still cause delays, but reports from Portugal suggest that this is all but a done deal.

Today’s edition of A Bola claims Ederson is ‘practically’ a Manchester City player already and Benfica have already moved for his replacement. The Portuguese newspaper reports that the club have offered a five-year deal to André Moreira, a 21-year-old goalkeeper who belongs to Atlético Madrid.

Of interest, if Moreira can’t be acquired, Benfica may look to City’s neighbours, Manchester United, and swoop for their promising shot-stopper Joel Pereira.

Benfica take on Vitória SC in the Taça de Portugal Final later today and the future of Ederson as well as several other Benfica stars should be decided soon after, with a real possibility that the Brazilian goalkeeper could be a Man City player this time next week.