March 20, 2008 5:52 PM

SOURCE:
goal.com

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Léo Considering Exit

Benfica defender Léo could be close to leaving the Portuguese club, according to his attorney, Breno Tannuri...

The Brazilian player signed with Benfica in 2005 and has been an ever-present piece on the club's left flank, having been elected by Eagles fans as the best player of the squad last season.

Despite the interest of Rui Costa, who will become the club's sports director at the end of the season, in having Léo sign a contract extension, the former Santos FC defender has not guaranteed his stay at Estádio da Luz.

"Yes, it seems that Rui Costa likes Léo and wants him to stay but, from what I have spoken with the player's agent [Iko Martins], that may not be enough," Tannuri told sports daily A BOLA.

"At this moment, the situation is the same, it has not changed but there have been some clubs approaching him.

"However, that possibility was more likely at the beginning of the season."

Leonardo Lourenço Bastos, 32, has represented the senior Brazilian team, as well as Palmeiras, Sao Joao and Americano.