Portugal trio may move after World Cup exit
Reuters - Wednesday 30 June 2010, 16:00
JOHANNESBURG - Goalkeeper Eduardo, left-back
Fabio Coentrao and midfielder Tiago, the three Portugal players
who most enhanced their reputations during the side's lacklustre
World Cup campaign, could be rewarded with moves to big clubs.
"Eduardo's performance was brilliant. He made some very
important saves," Portugal coach Carlos Queiroz told reporters
after the 1-0 second-round loss to Spain on Tuesday.
After a fine season at Braga where he contributed much to
the side's surprising title bid, the keeper had been linked to
Portuguese champions Benfica. His strong showing in South Africa
has prompted talk of a move to a bigger European league.
"Yes, there has been talk of a transfer. Let's see what
happens in the next few days," the 27-year-old said.
Coentrao may also be talking to his agents after impressing
on the Portugal campaign. The Benfica player only had one cap
before the finals but started in all four games in South Africa.
A Spanish sports newspaper said last week that Bayern Munich
had shown an interest in signing Coentrao, 22, but the move has
yet to be confirmed.
"I have a contract with Benfica until 2015, but I don't know
how things stand right now. It seems there are clubs
interested," he told reporters.
"I would love to play for Benfica in the Champions League
next season, but I'm not saying I want to be at the club
forever, since in terms of budgets there are clubs that can
offer more," he added.
Midfielder Tiago moved to Atletico Madrid on loan in January
to end his nightmare at Juventus and win back his place in the
Portugal squad. He shone in the win 7-0 win over North Korea
making an assist and grabbing two goals himself.
Atletico president Enrique Cerezo told Reuters last week
that the club is in negotiations with Juventus to sign the
player on a permanent deal.
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