Benfica close in on Brazilian defender

Rio de Janeiro: Brazilian defender Bruno Cortez is on the verge of being signed by Portuguese club Benfica.

The 26-year-old left-back is currently in Lisbon for a medical and is expected to sign a contract within few days. He could make his debut for Benfica against his current club Sao Paulo on Aug 3 in the Eusebio Cup, an annual pre-season exhibition match at the Estadio da Luz, home ground of Benfica, commonly known as the Stadium of Light. Having begun his career with Brazilian fourth division side Nova Iguacu, Cortez rose to prominence upon joining Botafogo in 2011. After making his international debut against Argentina in 2011, Cortez was sold to Sao Paulo, where he has played 79 matches in two seasons. IANS