<
>

Unai Emery confirms Paris Saint-Germain interest in Benfica's Guedes

Paris Saint-Germain coach Unai Emery has said that Benfica's versatile attacker Goncalo Guedes is of interest to the French champions as a potential signing this month.

With director of football Patrick Kluivert frustrated in his search for an adequate striker to play backup to the in-form Edinson Cavani, the Dutchman is believed to have turned his attention towards the Portugal international because of his ability to play in the middle as well as out wide.

Asked about Guedes at a news conference ahead of Tuesday's Coupe de la Ligue semifinal away at Girondins de Bordeaux, Emery confirmed the 20-year-old starlet is one of a number of players currently under consideration at Parc des Princes.

"We at PSG have spoken with a few players [this month]," said the Spaniard. "Some are impossible, others are more possible.

"Goncalo is a good attacking player. He currently plays there for Benfica. He is one on our list of names who we are working on to potentially improve this PSG side."

According to beIN Sports in France, Guedes has agreed to join PSG and the transfer could be completed as early as this week.

If the Portuguese does finalise his Paris switch, then it will push wantaway -- and unwanted -- former Real Madrid man Jese Rodriguez closer to the exit door.

"I have spoken with the club and the player," Emery said of his compatriot. "I argued my case with both as to why I have made this decision on him. Now, in order to leave, it is up to Jese, his agent and the club."

Jese has been angling for a loan move to hometown club Las Palmas since the start of the month but with the enterprising Canary Island outfit lacking the financial muscle to cover his enormous salary, much depends on PSG's generosity.

Middlesbrough, led by Jese's youth coach Aitor Karanka, have also registered an interest in rescuing the player from Las Palmas before the end of the month.