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UPDATE:
Jeff Rueter, an MLS reporter who often focuses in on Minnesota United, reported for ESPN FC that Manny Lagos is in Colombia to negotiate a deal with Deportivo Cali. The Colombian club reportedly walked away from the deal last week, but returned to talks. The transfer fee range is said to be in the range of $5-7 million, not including Benedetti’s potential salary.
BREAKING: #MNUFC's Manny Lagos is in Colombia to negotiate with #VamosCali. #MLS sources telling me the Loons have increased their offer to acquire Nicolas Benedetti to around $6M. https://t.co/3uM5L2zpxC
— Jeff Rueter (@jeffrueter) February 1, 2018
Paul Tenorio, a national soccer reporter who recently covered MLS for FourFourTwo, is reporting a bit of transfer news that should excite Minnesota United fans:
MNUFC has put in a $4 million bid for 20-year-old Deportivo Cali playmaker Nicolás Benedetti, per source with knowledge of the offer. Separate source tells me Cali asking price has been closer to $8 million.
— Paul Tenorio (@PaulTenorio) January 25, 2018
Benedetti is officially listed as an attacking midfielder, which can be code for winger, but Tenorio confirmed that he would serve as more of a number 10, or central attacker.
Benedetti has made 82 appearances for Deportivo Cali of the Colombian first division since joining the team in 2015, scoring 14 goals.
Minnesota United technical staff members were spotted scouting in Colombia earlier in the offseason.
We have reached out to Benedetti’s agent for comment, and will update this article as information becomes available. Until then, enjoy his highlights: