Benfica want Fernandes stay

By Francisco Acedo   Last updated: 8th August 2007

fernandes

Fernandes: Happy to stay

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Benfica insist they are looking to hold onto Manuel Fernandes for the coming season.

Fernandes spent last season on loan in England, firstly with Portsmouth and then with Everton.

He impressed with both, but he excelled with The Toffees and now manager David Moyes is looking to strike a deal.

Benfica want to keep Fernandes and a spokesman told skysports.com that they intended to keep hold of the 21-year-old.

"The player has a deal with us and it does not enter our plans to see him exit this summer," said the spokesman.

Player happy

Benfica only own 50 per cent of the player, so it is not certain they would be able to fend off any interest - but Fernandes insists he is happy to remain at the Estadio da Luz.

"I am happy at Benfica and now I am only thinking about a good season ahead," he commented.