Portuguese giants Benfica have entered the race for the signature of Atletico Madrid striker Luciano Vietto, who was seemingly on his way to Premier League club Southampton, according to a report from Gianluca Di Marzio.
The 23-year-old spent last season on loan at La Liga outfit Sevilla, where his performances caught the eye of many clubs across Europe.
The forward managed to get his name on the scoresheet ten times and registered five assists last season which has had many clubs monitoring his situation at Spanish giants Atletico.
New Southampton boss Mauricio Pellegrino is well aware of Vietto, after facing him last season when he was in charge of Alaves but the Saints are being rivalled by Benfica for his signature.
The striker is not considered to be set in Atletico boss Diego Simeone’s plans next season which means that the club are ready to listen to offers for the Argentine.
The only thing undecided is whether they will sell Vietto permanently or send him out on another season long loan.
Pellegrino is looking to add firepower to his attack after selling Jay Rodriguez to West Bromwich Albion earlier in the summer and Vietto is seemingly the man that he desires.
Roma are also being linked with a move.
