The Portuguese giants have also joined the chase and are hopeful of securing his signature. Rovers are understood to have been pursuing the highly-rated 22-year-old for a number of weeks, and it is believed they were confident of clinching Witsel's signature - which would have been a huge coup for Steve Kean. However, Benfica have now entered the frame for Witsel's signature. Reports in Portugal claim they are now favourites to land the Witsel - rated as one of the best young midfielders in Europe. Witsel's Standard team-mate Steven Defour - who has previously been linked with a move to England himself - is also being linked with a move to Portugal. Sporting Lisbon are understood to be keen, although Russian giants Lokomotiv Moscow are reportedly favourites to land him.
