Crystal Palace, Southampton chasing Benfica's Andre Almeida?

Premier League pair Crystal Palace and Southampton are battling it out to sign defender Andre Almeida from Benfica, according to a report.

The 26-year-old, who is understood to be valued by the Portuguese club at around the £8m mark, was watched up close by scouts of the two sides at the weekend.

Almeida was named man of the match as the Eagles beat Vitoria de Guimaraes 3-1, supposedly leading to Palace and Southampton furthering their initial interest.

It is claimed by Soccerly that Benfica are hopeful of tying down the versatile ace to a new contract, however, which could drive up his price tag.

Almeida was used 25 times in all competitions in 2016-17, the majority of which came in the second half of the season.