The chatter about a European move for Cyle Larin grew louder on Wednesday.
Two days after a report linking the Orlando City striker to Portuguese giants Benfica, O Jogo, one of that nation's leading sports tabloids, featured Larin on its front page, claiming that the Canadian international is also on the radar of Benfica's rivals Sporting Lisbon.
Citing Larin as "one of the names that ... is being evaluated to meet the intent of [manager] Jorge Jesus," O Jogo's report notes question marks around Sporting's current options up front and quotes Larin's price tag at "around four million Euros," or roughly US$4.4 million.
Benfica are the reigning champions of the Portuguese Primeira Liga, while Sporting, the home of Costa Rican star Bryan Ruiz, finished second. Both clubs are regular participants in the UEFA Champions League and will do so again in 2016/17.
On Monday, Canadian-based journalist Anthony Totera of the Red Card Radio show tweeted about apparent interest from Benfica:
Larin, 21, has scored 26 goals to date in MLS and is the reigning MLS Rookie of the Year. He has been linked with moves to Europe throughout his career.
