Frederico Varandas ‘to offer’ salary to beat Benfica for Issa Doumbia | OneFootball

Sporting president Frederico Varandas is seeking to move ahead of Rui Costa and Benfica in the race for Italy under-21 international Issa Doumbia.

Italian media report that Benfica have stepped in early for the Venezia midfielder, while A Bola says Sporting have already outlined a potential wage and both clubs are in direct talks with Venezia.

Sporting, led by Varandas, are said to have told Doumbia’s camp he could earn about 100 thousand euros per month if he chose Alvalade, with the Italian viewed as the successor to Morita, who will leave at the end of the season.

There is no formal bid from either side, only concrete contact with Venezia, who have secured promotion to Serie A. Benfica know the asking price is around 15 million euros and are weighing whether to advance.

This season Doumbia, valued at 8 million euros, has made 37 appearances for Venezia across 3,099 minutes, scoring nine goals and providing five assists.

Source: Glorioso 1904