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Benfica willing to let go of Joao Felix for the right price

Cape Town - Benfica president Luis Filipe Vieira says they will not hold on to Joao Felix against his will with the Portuguese starlet linked with a big-money move to Manchester City.

City, along with arch rivals Manchester United have been tracking the 19-year-old, dubbed the next Cristiano Ronaldo, and a battle is on the cards for his services.

There is a release clause of £106 million in his current contract, and Vieira admits the starlet will move on if City, or another club, comes in and activates it.

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 €60 million and we realised after two or three games that we must increase it to €120 million.

"But it is Joao Felix and his family who will decide if he stays.

"If someone bids €120 million 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.

"How will Benfica negotiate with someone after he is given a proposal of 6million euros after tax?"

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