体坛英语新闻：Corinthians' star midfielder Elias in scopes of Benfica

RIO DE JANEIRO, Dec. 2 (Xinhua) -- Rumors spread quickly on Thursday regarding the future of Corinthians' talented midfielder Elias that the athlete could be only days away from being sold to Portugal's SL Benfica.

Benfica's club president, Luis Felipe Vieira, is currently in Brazil and is actively taking part in the negotiations revolving around his team's acquisition.

Well aware of Elias' potential and the fact that he is a starting member of Mano Menezes' Brazilian national team, Vieira hopes to close a deal with Corinthians as soon as possible.

Corinthians previously declared that they will not release the player from his contract for anything less than seven million Euros.

With an alleged offer of 7.5 million, the only remaining detail in the negotiation is to settle the form a payment, which is expected to be paid in installments.

Elias is expected to earn 1.5 million Euros annually. Benfica is urgently looking for a replacement for Ramires who was recently traded to Chelsea.

Despite his rumored participation in negotiations with Vieira and Elias' agent, Corinthians president Andres Sanchez denies any such deal to sell the athlete. Another team allegedly interested in Elias is Italy's Fiorentina.