Erik Lira, a Mexican midfielder for Cruz Azul, is in advanced negotiations to join the French club Monaco as the transfer window closes. ^[1] The transfer deal is currently blocked because Monaco has not yet secured a release for a foreign player quota. ^[2] Monaco has officially secured the transfer of Mexican striker Erik Lira. ^[3] Mexican striker Santiago Giménez, currently at AC Milan, has signed a loan deal to join Portuguese club Porto as the European transfer window closes. ^[4] Erik Lira, a midfielder for Cruz Azul, failed to complete his transfer to Monaco on September 1 due to the French club's inability to free a non-EU player spot. ^[5] Cruz Azul and Monaco have reached a preliminary agreement for a transfer fee of approximately 11 million euros. ^[6] The total value of the deal includes 8 million euros in fixed fees and 3 million euros in variable payments. ^[7] The signing of Erik Lira by Monaco complicates his availability for the Leagues Cup tournament. ^[8] Cruz Azul transferred Erik Lira's rights to AS Monaco for a fixed fee of approximately 9.2 million dollars plus variable payments, retaining 20 percent of any future sale. ^[9] Mexican midfielder Erik Lira has agreed to join AS Monaco after the club freed a foreign player slot due to Folarin Balogun's transfer to Everton. ^[10] The loan agreement for Santiago Giménez includes a non-mandatory option for Porto to purchase the player at the end of the season. ^[11] Erik Lira and Monaco had already reached a financial agreement and Lira had completed the required medical examinations before the deal fell through. ^[12]