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Birmingham City Make Bid For Christian Benitez
The Blues start the race for the sturdy Ecuadoran striker.
May 30, 2009 8:14:46 AM
Premier League new boys Birmingham City have made an official offer for Santos Laguna striker Christian Benitez, as the chase for the 23-year-old heats up.
The Ecuador international has been tracked in recent months by Wigan Athletic, who are also expected to bid for the player.
However, Latics boss Steve Bruce has recently stated he would not pay over the odds for the striker.
The striker's advisor, Barry McIntosh, has revealed that a bid has come in from Birmingham but has also said that a number of other Premier League clubs are interested.
Speaking to Sky Sports, McIntosh said, "Birmingham has made an official offer for the player, who is one of the most talented players in South America and, at the moment, is playing his trade in the professional league in Mexico for Santos Laguna.
"Naturally, the offer from Birmingham is being seriously considered, but in the past 24 hours, there has been a number of other interested parties in England who are looking to up their bid to secure the player.
"At this stage it would be premature to say precisely who the other suitors are. They are bigger clubs, within the top six to eight of the league.
The Ecuador international has been tracked in recent months by Wigan Athletic, who are also expected to bid for the player.
However, Latics boss Steve Bruce has recently stated he would not pay over the odds for the striker.
The striker's advisor, Barry McIntosh, has revealed that a bid has come in from Birmingham but has also said that a number of other Premier League clubs are interested.
Speaking to Sky Sports, McIntosh said, "Birmingham has made an official offer for the player, who is one of the most talented players in South America and, at the moment, is playing his trade in the professional league in Mexico for Santos Laguna.
"Naturally, the offer from Birmingham is being seriously considered, but in the past 24 hours, there has been a number of other interested parties in England who are looking to up their bid to secure the player.
"At this stage it would be premature to say precisely who the other suitors are. They are bigger clubs, within the top six to eight of the league.
"He is an established international player and would like to ply his trade at a club where he has the possibility of playing in the UEFA Cup or the Champions League.
"Of course, we are looking at the best possible options for the player before making a final decision."
The player's agent also claimed that a decision on the player's future would be made by Wednesday.
"The deal on the table has not been matched, or surpassed, by one or two other clubs," McIntosh added. "Everything will be considered on Tuesday by the president of Santos Laguna and we would hope by Wednesday that we'll know precisely which is the most likely destination for the player. "As far as how much the player is worth, he is worth what somebody is prepared to pay for him." The former El Nacional player moved to Mexican side Santos Laguna in 2007 and has since made 58 league appearances for the club, scoring 31 goals. Nick Turner, Goal.com
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