Report: City to complete €55M deal for Benfica's Ruben Dias

Manchester City are on the verge of signing Benfica center-back Ruben Dias in a €55-million deal that sends Nicolas Otamendi the other way, according to The Guardian's Fabrizio Romano.

City turned their attention to Dias after balking at Napoli's asking price for Kalidou Koulibaly. Napoli were reportedly demanding £80 million for the Senegalese center-back.

Sevilla also turned down City's advances for defender Jules Kounde. City had apparently offered the same package that Benfica ultimately accepted for Dias.

The Portuguese international is now expected to sign a five-year contract, and Otamendi a three-year pact with Benfica.

Dias scored what's likely to be his farewell goal in Benfica's 2-0 win over Moreirense earlier on Saturday.

"It is a special moment and I think everyone already knows why," he said afterward, according to The Evening Standard's Malik Ouzia.

Pep Guardiola was on the hunt for a right-footed center-back to beef up his defense. John Stones failed to convince in the months following former captain Vincent Kompany's departure, and Eric Garcia, another right-sided defender, signaled his intention to leave City at the end of his contract in June 2021.

Otamendi had retained Guardiola's confidence despite several error-strewn performances in recent seasons. The Argentinian would've had two years remaining on his contract with City.

Dias would further reduce the average age of City's defense corps, but he doesn't lack experience. The 23-year-old is a regular starter for Portugal's national team and comes with 89 top-flight appearances already under his belt.