Manchester City are reportedly pressing ahead with their efforts to sign Benfica youngster Joao Felix by meeting the player's release clause.
Felix's terrific breakthrough campaign in Portugal, in which he has scored 19 goals, has inevitably led to interest from several high-profile clubs.
Benfica are keen for the 19-year-old to extend his contract, which would subsequently lead to a bigger release clause, but it appears that City have stolen a march on the top-flight champions.
According to The Sun, City have indicated that they will pay the required £106m, leaving Felix to decide on whether he wishes to make the switch to the Etihad Stadium.
Manchester United and Real Madrid have also been in the running, although City are now regarded as clear favourites to push through a deal in the coming weeks.
Felix is hoping to make his international debut for Portugal on Wednesday night in the UEFA Nations League semi-final with Switzerland.
Darren Plant
