Benfica deny reaching agreement to sell Enzo Fernandez | OneFootball

Benfica have denied that they have reached an agreement to sell Enzo Fernandez and insist his release clause will have to be triggered up front in order to sanction a sale, sources have told 90min.

Fernandez has emerged as one of the best young midfielders on the planet since making the move to Europe in the summer.

His stock exponentially skyrocketed with a series of impressive performances for Argentina during their triumphant World Cup campaign this winter.

Recent reports in both England and Portugal have suggested that the likes of Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United are ready and waiting to pay Fernandez's €118m release clause.

90min understands that Benfica would only be willing to accept this payment up front and are not interested in accepting a bid in instalments.

Sources have told 90min that all three clubs have indeed spoken to agent Jorge Mendes about a transfer. Manchester City also previously expressed an interest in Fernandez in his time at River Plate during successful negotiations for Julian Alvarez and remain fans of the midfielder.

Fernandez - who did not make his first appearance for Argentina until September this year - signed for Benfica back in June, ousting competition from Wolves to reach an initial €10m agreement with River Plate.

He has played 24 games for the Lisbon giants since arriving in Europe, scoring three goals.