Portuguese heavyweights Benfica have hit back at a report claiming that club president Rui Costa had said that Manchester United-linked midfielder Enzo Fernandez would be allowed to leave the club in next month's transfer window.
Fernandez, 21, is being heavily linked with a plethora of Premier League clubs, including United, following a stellar World Cup campaign with Argentina in Qatar. The midfielder, who won FIFA's Young Player award at the tournament, featured in all seven of the South American giants' fixtures, scoring one goal and grabbing one assist, as well as playing the duration of their thrilling victory over France in the final almost a fortnight ago.
His performances in Qatar caught the attention of a host of clubs and he has since been heavily linked with a move to several big-name European giants, not least Chelsea, Liverpool and United. The Reds are set to target the addition of a young midfielder in 2023, meaning Fernandez would be an ideal fit.
READ MORE: United have already made their stance clear on Enzo Fernandez
However, it is claimed that it will take an offer north of £105million to lure him from Benfica, such is the valuation of his release clause. Recently, Costa, who enjoyed a fruitful playing career for a host of clubs, including Benfica, was quoted as saying that Fernandez would be allowed to leave the club next month, should a respectable offer be put forward.
Italian outlet DAZN quoted Costa as saying: "We don't want to give up Enzo Fernandez in January, but we are willing to please the boy in the event of a €120m offer."
Benfica, however, have since responded to DAZN's report, claiming that Costa has been misquoted. They have clarified their position on Fernandez's future, insisting they have plans to retain him until the end of the current campaign.
In a statement, they said: "Benfica clarifies that at no time did the president of the club, Rui Costa, utter the words that are being circulated in Italy by DAZN. Benfica reiterates its intention to count on the player Enzo Fernandez until the end of the season."
Fernandez, who will celebrate his 22nd birthday next month, has been a key figure for Benfica so far this season, racking up 24 appearances in all competitions. He has scored three goals and registered five assists.
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