Benfica chief gives green light to Joao Felix transfer amid Manchester United and Manchester City links

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Benfica president Luis Filipe Vieira has admitted that the only way to keep hold of wonder-kid Felix is to sell him with a view of loaning him back next season. The Portuguese club has so far received massive offers for Felix from Premier League with Manchester City and Manchester United are yet to trigger his £105million release clause. Vieira said: “We sit down with players and they say 'president, I can earn five million euros, president, do not make me stay here.' “Joao Felix had a release clause of 60million euros and we realised after two or three games that we must increase it to 120million euros. “But it is Joao Felix and his family who will decide if he stays. “If someone bids 120million euros it is not worth dreaming that he will stay. “We are trying everything to ensure he stays. But the only way is if we sell him and keep him another year. “If not, Joao leaves. There is no room to negotiate further. He doesn't want to. City have been looking at Felix as a possible replacement for Leroy Sane after the German international was targeted by Bayern Munich. Meanwhile United have been monitoring the teenager as they look to rebuild the squad.

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