体坛英语新闻：Benfica close in on Brazilian defender

RIO DE JANEIRO, July 11 (Xinhua) -- Brazilian defender Bruno Cortez is on the verge of signing with Portuguese club Benfica, local media reported on Thursday.

The 26-year-old left-back is currently in Lisbon for a medical and is expected to sign a contract within days, according to daily Estado de S.Paulo.

He could make his debut for Benfica against current club Sao Paulo on August 3 in the Eusebio Cup, an annual pre-season exhibition match at the Estadio da Luz.

Having begun his career with Brazilian fourth division side Nova Iguacu, Cortez rose to prominence upon joining Botafogo in 2011.

After making his international debut against Argentina in 2011, Cortez was sold to Sao Paulo, where he has played 79 matches in two seasons.