Benfica boss Jorge Jesus has said that Ruben Dias could be departing the Estadio da Luz having played his last game for the club.

The Portuguese international defender has been strongly linked with a move to Manchester City in recent days, with some reports implying that he is close to a move to the Etihad Stadium, with City centre-back Nicolas Otamendi apparently set to move in the opposite direction.

Now, Benfica boss Jesus has all but confirmed the move, saying that Dias may have played his final match for the Portuguese giants.

Talking after a 2-0 Liga NOS win against Moreirense, he said: “I’m pretty sure it was his [Ruben Dias’s] last game, but sometimes everything changes at the last second in football.

“I don’t think that’s going to happen, though. He’s a player we’re sorry to see go, he came through the academy, is our captain and plays for the national team… I also take some of the blame for him leaving today.

“This is also to do with getting knocked out of the Champions League and there are things that need to be balanced [financially] at management level.

“He has a high market value and is certainly already a fantastic player who will continue to improve.”

If Dias does indeed sign for the Citizens this summer, he will be the second centre-back to have arrived at the club following the prior addition of Bournemouth’s Nathan Ake.

Dias’ potential future employers are back in Premier League action on Sunday afternoon against Leicester City. Pep Guardiola’s troops can be backed at a price of 32/100 with William Hill to make it two victories out of two to start the campaign.