By Akyereko Frimpong Manson
Portuguese giants SL Benfica are hoping to have Ghana striker Mahatma Otoo on trials to further assess his qualities.
The 32-time Primeira Liga title winners have officially declared their interest in the 21-year-old by writing to Hearts of Oak who own the striker.
However, Benfica are not ready to make a straight bid to sign the Ghana international.
Benfica manager Jorge Jesus wants Otoo to spend 10 days at the Estádio da Luz in Lisbon before deciding whether to offer him a deal.
Benfica were hoping to land the striker who has scored 24 goals for Hearts this season on a free transfer but he inked a new one-year deal for the Phobians.
Otoo who captained the Ghana Olympic squad to win the All African Games in 2011 is reportedly close to joining DR Congo giants TP Mazembe.
Mazembe, who already have five Ghanaian players in their fold want have offered a $20,000 monthly salary for his services.