Benfica Deny Rumour of Joao Felix's 'Imminent' Transfer to Atletico Madrid

Benfica have denied reports that Joao Felix is on the verge of a €120 million (£107 million) move to Atletico Madrid. 

Both Marca and the Telegraph's James Ducker have recently reported that the 19-year-old Felix's move to Atleti is effectively sealed after links with other top European clubs including Manchester City and Manchester United.

But the Portuguese champions have now issued a club statement (h/t BeIN Sports) denying the rumours:

"In view of the news published in these last hours, Benfica clarifies that it is false that any negotiation process is currently underway regarding a possible transfer of the player Joao Felix. The conditions for his negotiation are public and known, taking into account the termination clause defined in the amount of €120 million."

Felix enjoyed a breakout season in 2018-19 as he netted 15 goals and provided seven assists in 26 league appearances.

He made an impact in Benfica's UEFA Europa League campaign as they reached the quarter-finals:

And he earned a first senior call-up to the Portugal national team, playing a role as they won the inaugural UEFA Nations League earlier this month.

Per Manu Sainz of AS, Real Madrid previously had a bid for Felix rejected as Los Blancos were not offering €120 million up front, but in a deal that included €40 million (£36 million) in add-ons.

Sainz also reported interest from Juventus and Barcelona.

Atleti would not usually be able to compete financially with the likes of Real, Juve, Barca and the two Manchester clubs.

But they look set to receive €120 million for Antoine Griezmann, who has announced he will depart the club this summer.

As such, reports they were on the verge of paying a club record fee to sign Felix seemed, on the face of it, credible.

Benfica's statement makes it clear, though, that a move is not imminent for their young star forward.

Per BeIN, Benfica also denied in their statement that agent Jorge Mendes stands to make 30 percent from the Felix sale:

"More serious, and that which deserves our most vehement repudiation and denial, is the fake news that refers to negotiations that involve commissions of 30 per cent and which, unfortunately, was echoed in Portugal by the newspaper A Bola, with intentions and goals that we do not understand. We repeat: this information is totally false, absurd and has clear intentions for the reputation and dignity of Benfica."