What next for Claudio Echeverri?
Claudio Echeverri's immediate future appears to be taking shape, with the Argentine youngster reportedly closing in on a season away from Manchester City.
The 20-year-old has spent the summer training with the first-team squad, and was among the substitutes for the opening-day win at Crystal Palace. But with competitive minutes likely to be hard to come by this season, a temporary exit looks increasingly probable.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Benfica are in talks with City over a loan deal that would take Echeverri to Lisbon. César Luis Merlo's reporting adds that Real Betis and Sheffield United were also keen on a temporary arrangement, though the Portuguese side appear to have moved to the front of the queue.
It has been reported that Echeverri's loan move to Benfica would include an option to buy.
Nicoló Schira goes further, suggesting personal terms have already been agreed with Benfica on a contract running until 2031, with the deal structured as a loan featuring an option to make the move permanent.
For a player who arrived with considerable fanfare, this feels like a sensible next step. Benfica have a strong track record of developing young South American talent, and regular football in Portugal would offer Echeverri the platform he needs after a frustrating first year in Manchester.
City's decision to include an option to buy is notable. It suggests they are not entirely committed to the idea of Echeverri returning to the Etihad, or at least that they are willing to accept a decent fee if Benfica come calling further down the line.
Either way, the coming weeks should bring clarity on where Echeverri will be playing his football this season.