Benfica rule out Di Maria sale

Argentine winger will not make January move

By Francisco Acedo   Last updated: 16th November 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Benfica rule out Di Maria sale

Di Maria: Going nowhere

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Benfica have assured supporters that in-demand winger Angel Di Maria will not be leaving the club in January.

The Argentine starlet has been linked with a switch to the Premier League after producing some eye-catching performances in recent games, including the 5-0 Europa League victory over Everton last month.

Manchester City are reportedly leading the chase, while Chelsea have confirmed they are monitoring the situation after having their transfer ban suspended.

It is understood that Di Maria, who is valued at around 40million euros, was watched by Chelsea scouts as Argentina lost 2-1 to Spain on Saturday night.

Di Maria is aware of the speculation, although he has played down suggestions a move could be imminent by stressing that he remains focused on Benfica.

The Portuguese club have now ruled out the possibility of Di Maria being sold in the New Year, saying he has an important role to play for the rest of the season.

"The Benfica fans can be calm. Di Maria will not leave the club in January," Benfica president Luis Filipe Vieira told A Bola.

"We know there is interest from big clubs in the kid but we need his help for many objectives like the Portuguese league."