Atletico Madrid are reportedly locked in talks with Benfica for Nicolas Gaitan but will have to do better than their opening €30m bid.
According to Marca, Atleti CEO Miguel Angel Gil met with Benfica President Luis Filipe Vieira on Tuesday night to discuss a deal, but no agreement was reached.
Los Colchoneros hoped to entice the Eagles into settling on a fee just below the 27-year-old’s buyout threshold of €35m, but they may be forced to make a greater bid.
The release clause would have to be paid in full, but a fee higher than €35m would allow Atleti to negotiate an instalment-based deal.
The two clubs enjoy a cordial relationship, given the likes of Jan Oblak, Eduardo Salvio, Silvio and Pizzi being transferred between the pair in recent years.
Diego Simeone has identified Gaitan as his primary target to replace Arda Turan, who is almost certain to leave the Santiago Bernabeu this summer.
However, if a fee cannot be agreed before Monday then Atleti are expected to look elsewhere, given they are due to begin pre-season next Wednesday.
Angel Correa, meanwhile, has been linked with a loan move to Rayo Vallecano.
