da bet nacional: Manchester United and Real Madrid have been dealt transfer blows after Benfica confirmed they will not be selling two wonderkids in January.
da bwin: Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
United and Madrid suffer transfer blowTargets Neves and Silva not for saleBenfica boss rules out January departuresWHAT HAPPENED?
United have been linked with 19-year-old midfielder Joao Neves, who reportedly has a €100 million (£87m/$110m) release clause in his contract. Real Madrid are believed to have their eye on defender Antonio Silva, 20, but Benfica boss Roger Schmidt has now said that none of his players will be leaving the club in January.
AdvertisementWHAT ROGER SCHMIDT SAID
Schmidt told reporters on Thursday: "We are halfway through the season and we have big goals.We certainly won't let any of these players leave.We need them and no one wants to leave, so there's no question."
Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE
United are expected to be active in the January transfer window following the completion of Sir Jim Ratcliffe's minority investment in the club. Real Madrid are keen to bring in a defender after David Alaba recently joined Eder Militao on the sidelines with an ACL injury.
Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR NEVES AND SILVA?
It looks like Neves and Silva will stay in Lisbon to help Benfica's push for the league title and Europa League glory. However, if United and Real Madrid come calling in the summer, it's hard to see Benfica turning down a big pay day.