PORTUGUESE DUO CHASE NUNO GOMES

The 24-year-old striker was brought to Florence for a blockbusting £10 million as a replacement for legendary striker Gabriel Batistuta, but the Portuguese Euro 2000 star has faced an uphill battle to fill the gap that Batigol's departure has left and has been out of favour at the club.

Sporting's interest in bringing the player back to his native Portugal has been longstanding, with veteran striker Alberto Acosta expected to leave in the summer, and a general consensus that there is a need for a fresh impetus.

Benfica however already have several top-quality strikers in their squad, including Pierre van Hooijdonk, Joao Tomas and Andre, and will see the arrival of Angolan Pedro Mantorras in the summer.

However, Dutchman Van Hooijdonk may be set to leave La Estadio da Luz with interest from PSV Eindhoven in the former Nottingham Forest striker.

The 31-year-old joined The Eagles early in the season and has scored 17 times in 27 matches but is reportedly frustrated with Benfica's inability to qualify for European competition this summer and may move back to his native Holland.

There are suggestions that Benfica may view Gomes as a key target, but only for a loan deal - in which Real Madrid bought the player but lent him back to the Portuguese giants.