Kezman snubs Benfica switch

Chelsea striker Mateja Kezman has rejected a move to Benfica.

The Serbo-Montenegrin hit-man looks likely to depart Stamford Bridge this summer after failing to convince following his £5 million move from PSV Eindhoven.

The 26-year-old was little more than a bit-part player under Jose Mourinho last term and has made it clear he will seek pastures new if he is not given assurances over his future.

With Mourinho confirming he wants to bring in at least one new striker during the close season, it seems logical that Kezman will be offloaded.

Schalke, Sevilla and Charlton have all been linked with the former Partizan Belgrade marksman and Benfica have now emerged as a confirmed suitor.

However, Kezman has turned down the move, telling A Bola a move to the Portuguese championship was currently of no interest to him.

"I have a great respect for (Benfica manager) Ronald Koeman and Benfica, but the Portuguese league and Benfica are not, at this moment, options for me," he stated.

"I am not interested, at least for the time being.

"Who knows one day, in the future, but not now."

Kezman's agent Vlado Lemeic confirmed the snub and insisted his client had not yet decided his future plans.

"His future is yet to be defined, but it won't be at Benfica," he added.

It appears Kezman will only depart Chelsea for one of Europe's major leagues, although it does appear likely he has played his last game for The West Londoners.