Manchester City are monitoring Benfica left-back Alex Grimaldo.

Pep Guardiola and his brother Pere attended Benfica's game against Braga on Monday evening where Grimaldo figured in a 3-1 win.

Grimaldo, who turned 21 on Tuesday, started his career with Barcelona and figured regularly for their B side who were relegated in 2015.

Mais Futebol say Pep Guardiola flew to Portugual to watch Alex Grimaldo play

Grimaldo, right, tussles for possession with Braga's Egpytian forward Ahmed Hassan

Manchester City are reported to have contacted the player's agent over a possible transfer

ALEX GRIMALDO: FACTFILE Date of birth: September 20, 1995 Age: 21 Clubs: Barcelona, Benfica Appearances: 12 (92 for Barcelona B) International recognition: Spain Under 17s, Under 19s & Under 21s Advertisement

With Jordi Alba ahead of him, opportunities were limited to progress to Barca's first team and, with his contract due to run out, he opted to join Benfica last December for £1.25m.

Grimaldo, who can also play a more advanced role on the left, has impressed since he arrived.

Benfica have since put a £51m buy out clause in his contract though Barcelona also have a percentage sell-on clause.

English clubs were well represented on Monday.

Manchester United, Arsenal, Everton, Aston Villa and Sheffield Wednesday all posting scouts though it is understood Guardiola and his brother did not request tickets in advance on City's behalf.

Grimaldo came through the Barcelona youth programme before moving to Benfica