Benfica closing in on signing of Barcelona shot-stopper

Benfica are increasingly hopeful of signing Barcelona goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen.

The Dutch international has represented his country 48 times, and was the Netherlands number one choice in the 2014 World Cup, a tournament that his country ultimately finished 3rd in.

The 30-year old joined Barcelona from Ajax in 2016 for €13million, but has failed to make an impression at the Spanish outfit.

This season he has made just one appearance in La Liga - in a 2-0 loss against Celta Vigo last week.

He also played a Champions League match against Tottenham (a 1-1 draw) and 6 Copa Del Ray fixtures.

Indeed, in all three seasons at Barcelona, Cillessen has only played 29 matches across all competitions - 23 of which came in Spain's cup competition, 3 in La Liga, and 3 in the Champions League. 

With game time hard to come by, Benfica are closing in on the signing of Cillessen, who will compete with Odysseas Vlachodimos for a place in Benfica's starting lineup. 

Bruno Varela, who is currently on loan at Ajax, is likely to leave permanently, while Miles Svilar will be loaned out.