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Man Utd, Man City and Liverpool dealt transfer blow as Benfica ace Joao Felix drops hint
MANCHESTER UNITED are among several clubs thought to be monitoring Joao Felix - and they have all been dealt a blow in their pursuit of the Benfica youngster.
The 19-year-old’s remarkable season has seen him rapidly become one of the most highly-rated prospects in Europe.
Versatile forward Felix boasts 12 goals and six assists for in 32 appearances across all competitions for Primeira Liga leaders Benfica this season.
And according to ESPN, his displays have seen Manchester City join Man Utd and Real Madrid among the many teams keeping an eye on the rising star.
Felix’s form has earned him a maiden call-up to Portugal’s national team this month with a view to making his senior international debut alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and co. against Ukraine or Serbia in his nation’s 2020 European Championship qualifiers.
ESPN add that among the other outfits keeping tabs on Felix are Barcelona, Juventus and Borussia Dortmund.
Liverpool were also linked with the teenager back in January - though it is understood Benfica have inserted a staggering €120million (£104m) release clause into his contract.
But in a recent interview with Spanish newspaper Marca, Felix has hinted that La Liga would be his preferred destination as he talked up Barca and Real Madrid in particular.
The attacker - who was also in the youth ranks of Porto - did however distance himself from transfer speculation in the meantime, insisting he is happy at Benfica.
I cannot pause to think about everything that is happening around me
He said: “Right now, I'm only thinking about Benfica.
“We are heading towards the end of the season in a very close fight for the title.
"I cannot pause to think about everything that is happening around me.
“My dream has always been to play for the big teams and in the biggest competitions.
“But as I said, I am here and I am very happy at Benfica, which, like those teams, is also one of the biggest sides in Europe.”
Asked which league is more attractive between La Liga and the Premier League, Felix replied: “The Spanish [league].”
Joao Felix scores incredible goal for Benfica in Lisbon derby
And on the reported interest of Barca and Real, he added: “They are two of the biggest teams in the world, whom I have followed since I was a child.
“But right now I want to be here, I feel very good at Benfica.”
Felix - who can play as a No 10, a winger or a striker - also acknowledged that the fee it could take for him to leave his homeland is
Asked if the release clause in excess of £100m was ludicrous, he admitted: “Perhaps yes.
“But I do not understand the market or values, that is an issue for representatives and presidents. I limit myself to playing.”