Chelsea make ‘first move’ for Man Utd transfer target amid ‘direct talks’ claim

The speculation is hotting up as the January transfer window draws ever closer.
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Chelsea are reportedly set to beat Manchester United to the signing of Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez after opening ‘direct talks’ with Benfica over a possible deal.

The 21-year-old became one of the stars of the World Cup after playing a key role in helping Lionel Scaloni’s side to success in Qatar. The former River Plate star featured in seven of Argentina’s games at the tournament and has attracted interest from several of Europe’s biggest clubs with his all-action style.

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However, interest in a January transfer had already preceded his involvement at the finals after he helped Benfica to a remarkable start to their season at domestic and European level. The Portuguese giants remain unbeaten in 22 games in all competitions so far and progressed through a Champions League group containing Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus and Maccabi Haifa with surprising ease.

But now As Aguias face a new challenge to hold on to their prize asset with the likes of Chelsea, United and Liverpool all keen to secure the services of Fernandez during the January transfer window. There were some suggestions from club president Rui Costa that the midfielder could depart for £106m but they have been refuted by Benfica over the last 24 hours.

A club statement read: “SL Benfica clarifies that at no time did the President of the Club, Rui Costa, utter the words that are being circulated in Italy by DAZN. Sport Lisboa e Benfica reiterates its intention to count on the player Enzo Fernandez until the end of the season.”

The comments came amid speculation Chelsea have looked to steal a march on United and their other rivals for the midfielder by lodging a record-breaking offer with Benfica. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano delivered an update on the situation via his Twitter account on Friday morning. He stated: “Chelsea are now in direct talks with Benfica for Enzo Fernández. Chelsea want to offer huge fee instead of paying release clause in one solution. Benfica always asked full €120m clause. Understand Enzo already said yes to Chelsea. #LFC or #MUFC made no bid, as of now.”