Market's Open

The January transfer window has opened. So far there hasn't been much coming out of Benfica, with the exception of the clubs directive publicly announcing that there is no interest from Benfica in Marseille's M'bami or Belenenses' left back Rodrigo Alvim.

I'm sure that in the coming days there will be some news, not to mention media speculation.

The deadline for Gremio has passed and Gremio await an answer from Benfica on the 3.5mm + Jhonatan offer for Diego Souza. Santos seems to also be interested in the player. Santo's deal would also involve a player as 4mm is a sum that is very high by Brazilian standards.

In today's German daily, Bild there is a report that Butt might be headed to Borussia Dortmund. Borussia's number one keeper is out for the season with a serious injury and the German club has been looking for another goalie. Arsenal's Lehman is the preferred choice but Dortmund can turn to Butt if Lehman falls through.

Lehman lost his starting job to Almunia this year and has expressed his desire to play more in order to earn a national team call up for this summer's Euro. Arsenal is willing to let go of the 38 year old for the right price and Dortmund seems to be interested. However Butt would certainly be cheaper for Dortmund. For Benfica it would be ideal, not only would Benfica reduce their payroll(it is rumored that Butt is the best paid goalie on the roster), but they would also solve the Moreira "problem".

Miguelito was officially introduced as a Braga player today, thus confirming the transfer.

The Cesar Delgado Saga continues. After Lyon's denial of having made an offer and of having reached any agreement with Cruz Azul, Cruz Azul is now investigating the possible involvement of a third party in the negotiations which might have given Cruz Azul the impression that it was a done deal, even anouncing it on their site. - for you conspiracy theorists Pinto da Costa is behind it.

Here are some of the players that have been rumoured to be Benfica targets, I say rumoured because none of them have been confirmed by the club

Soldado

Fred

Gilberto

Ruben Amorim

Arouca

Felix Katongo

Omar Bravo

Nicolae Dica

Bustos

Wagner

Zampagna
Baptista

I'm sure i'm missing a few others.

On other news, Benfica has authorized Leo to travel to Brazil this Sunday, following the Setubal game. Leo's father will be undergoing heart surgery this wednesday and the player has manifested the desire to be with his father following his surgery.