Omar Gaber describes the special relationship he has with LAFC coach Bob Bradley and how it played a role in the Egyptian international's move to MLS. (2:06)

LAFC is moving closer to securing the services of Portuguese midfielder Andre Horta, according to a source with knowledge of the discussions.

Horta, 21, is currently on loan to Braga from reigning Portuguese champions Benfica. Horta has made a total of 16 league and cup appearances this season, scoring one goal.

He began his professional career with Vitoria Setubal in 2014, appearing 43 times over two seasons and scoring two goals. He moved to Benfica prior to the start of the 2016-17 season and went on to score one goal in 16 league and cup appearances.

Andre Horta spent time at Benfica before joining Sporting Braga. Getty Images

Horta is a youth international, having appeared for Portugal's under-18, -19, -20, and -21 teams.

LAFC had also been linked with 28-year-old Porto midfielder Andre Andre, but the source indicated that he is not among the team's targets.

Manager Bob Bradley has acquired some talented players so far in forwards Carlos Vela and Diego Rossi, as well as central defenders Walker Zimmerman and Laurent Ciman.

But despite the fact that LAFC brought in midfielder Benny Feilhaber earlier in the offseason, rounding out the team's midfield remains the priority for Bradley ahead of the start of the season, which begins on March 4.