By Rune Gjerulff@runegjerulff

Report: Benfica to step up their interest in Luca Waldschmidt, Robin Koch rejects move to Portugal

Benfica are set to step up their interest in Freiburg's Luca Waldschmidt. Robin Koch, on the other hand, is understood to have turned down a move to Portugal.
Robin Koch (Freiburg) blocking a shot from Marcel Sabitzer (RB Leipzig).
Robin Koch (Freiburg) blocking a shot from Marcel Sabitzer (RB Leipzig).Photo: GEPA Pictures/Christian Schroedter/POOL via Picture Point
Representatives from SL Benfica will be travelling to Germany this week for negotiations with SC Freiburg for the transfer of Luca Waldschmidt, according to Bild.

About three weeks ago, Portuguese TV channel TVI 24 claimed that Waldschmidt's father was in Lisbon for talks with Benfica, who now seem keen to step up their interest in the striker.

It's likely that it will take an offer of around €12 million to prise the 24-year-old away from Freiburg, as per Bild.

Freiburg sporting director Klemens Hartenbach recently said that Waldschmidt could still stay at Schwarzwald-Stadion, telling Badische Zeitung:

"With a good, consistent season, Luca can take another big step forward."

Waldschmidt's teammate Robin Koch, on the other hand, is said to have decided against a move to Benfica.

However, the 24-year-old still wants to leave Freiburg and has been linked with a host of other clubs, including Tottenham, AC Milan and Newcastle.

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