Brazilian international faces uncertain future as Scolari hints at QPR stay.
QPR goalkeeper Julio Cesar is close to agreeing a move to Benfica according to reports in the Portuguese media, however Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari claims he will remain in London.
As reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport, the 33-year-old has reached an agreement with the Portuguese giants and is expected to finalise a deal in the forthcoming days.
The news comes after a summer of confusion, with the former Inter stopper failing to reach a deal with the likes of Napoli and Fiorentina with both clubs citing his personal demands as the reason for the breakdown in negotiations.
While Cesar had been keen not to suffer a wage drop as well as holding out for a lengthy contract, it is unclear at this stage as to whether or not Benfica have satisfied his terms.
However, while the Portuguese media claim that a deal is close, the Daily Mail have reported that Scolari is under the impression that the ‘keeper will remain with Harry Redknapp at QPR.
“Big Phil” held talks with Redknapp earlier this week, and speaking at a press conference to announce his squad for the friendlies against Australia and Portugal, Scolari revealed that Cesar has resolved his issues with the club.
“Hypothetically, we know where he will play this season. We’ve talked to him, reaffirmed our trust in him during this week after we talked to his club,” he said.
“We have called him up again because by the end of the transfer window, his situation will be resolved, with him staying on with QPR. After that it will be up to his manager to play him or not.”
It remains to be seen where Cesar will be plying his trade ahead of the World Cup, but it is accepted that if a satisfactory bid were to be made, then QPR would be open to reducing their wage bill after their relegation to the Championship.
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