Benfica close on Fonseca

Benfica are closing in on a deal for highly-regarded Mexico striker Francisco Fonseca.

The prolific 26-year-old was a record domestic transfer when he moved from UNAM Pumas to Cruz Azul in January 2005.

But his club have now agreed a ‚é¼2 million (£1.4 million) fee with the Portuguese giants, and he is set to complete a medical in Lisbon on Friday.

The player has established himself as a firm favourite in Mexico, having scored 20 goals in 33 matches for the national team, but now feels ready to make a move abroad.

"Now is the right time for me to move to Europe," Fonseca explained.

"I am happy with the conclusion of the deal and I want to make a name for myself in Benfica, a great club in Europe."

Cruz Azul have fended off interest from a number of clubs after Fonseca impressed at the World Cup in Germany, but were finally forced to accept the Estadio da Luz's proposition.