Portuguese newspaper, A Bola is reporting that a host of European clubs are chasing Benfica’s Argentine winger, Eduardo Salvio ahead of a January transfer battle for the 24-year-old. AC Milan are said to be in pole position but Manchester United and Liverpool are rumoured to be rivalling the Italian giants.

Milan might well be struggling to keep pace with rivals, Juventus and Roma these days but their active scouting network was in Portugal this weekend to watch Salvio play in Benfica’s 3-2 win over Estoril.

While Milan might be attributed with the strongest interest in the former Atlético Madrid and Lanús midfielder, The Express are also reporting interest from Manchester United and Liverpool, as well as Hamburg and Monaco.

It is unclear how much any of these interested parties may have to pay Benfica for Salvio’s signature but they should be wary given the quotes expressed previously.

Last season, when a number of other English clubs inquired about the player, Benfica quoted a fee in the region of £30 million and this may put off any interested clubs this time round.

At that moment, Salvio’s agent, Agustín Jiménez was quoted as saying, “After a big season it is normal that significant clubs will be interested. Now the decision is in the hands of Benfica. Salvio is content at the club but he is open to the possibility of a move.”

Naturally the next step in Salvio’s career would be a transfer to one of the European clubs who would offer greater wages and Benfica would make a large profit on their original outlay, like they have with so many other South American players.