Benfica forward Luis Semedo is 'very close' to joining Sunderland, according to a report in Portugal. The 19-year-old is set to leave The Eagles this summer and Portuguese outlet Record says Wearside is his likely destination.
The Portugal U20 international currently plays for Benfica's B team in the country's second tier, scoring two goals in 18 appearances, although only six of those were starts. He was top scorer in the UEFA Youth League last season, and also scored 14 goals for his club's U23 side.
Semedo has previously been linked with Juventus, Roma, and AC Milan, while Premier League Brighton were last week reported to have been ready to offer him a four-year contract. But, according to Record, Sunderland are the club that is winning the race for his signature.
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From the Black Cats' point of view, a move for Semedo would make sense. He would fit the club's template of signing young talent that can be developed and eventually sold on.
Players such as 18-year-old Costa Rica international Jewison Bennette, 19-year-ol Abdoullah Ba, and 21-year-old Isaac Lihadji, are examples of similar players who have already joined Sunderland. The Black Cats are also keen to bring in attacking reinforcements this summer after playing the majority of last season without a centre-forward with star striker Ross Stewart injured for almost three-quarters of the season.
Both head coach Tony Mowbray and sporting director Kristjaan Speakman have said in recent weeks that the club's recruitment plans are already well advanced, but clubs can only engage in talks at this stage before the transfer window officially opens on Wednesday, June 14.
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