AS Monaco have reached a verbal agreement to sign Erik Lira from Cruz Azul, with the Mexican midfielder now closing in on a move to Ligue 1.
Softfootball understands the agreement is worth €8 million plus €3 million in add-ons, while Cruz Azul will also retain a 20% sell-on clause.
The deal is not yet ready for signatures, however, with Monaco required to complete one final step before the transfer can progress.
The Ligue 1 club must first free an additional squad spot, after which the agreement can move to the paperwork and signatures stage.
Lira has emerged as Monaco’s latest midfield addition as the club continue to reshape their squad ahead of the new season.
The development comes amid uncertainty surrounding Paul Pogba’s future at Monaco. Softfootball previously reported that the club had offered Pogba the opportunity to terminate his contract by mutual consent to give him time to find a new team.
Reports from Nice-Matin and Le Parisien indicated that Monaco had communicated the proposal to Pogba’s representatives, with the club hoping to resolve the situation before September 1.
Pogba, 32, is currently dealing with another injury setback after joining Monaco on a two-year contract as he attempted to rebuild his career following his doping suspension.
His time at Monaco was intended to represent a fresh beginning for the 2018 World Cup winner after a difficult final period at Manchester United and his subsequent suspension.
Now, however, the club appear ready to help Pogba begin another chapter. If the French midfielder accepts the termination proposal, he would become a free agent and could negotiate with interested clubs without a transfer fee.
With Monaco now working to free a squad place, Lira’s transfer is effectively one step away from the final formalities.
