Chelsea alongside Premier League rivals Manchester United and Liverpool are interested in signing Benfica midfielder and Argentina World Cup star Enzo Fernandez in January.

Chelsea are reportedly prepared to beat off competition for Fernandez by paying the €120million release clause in his Benfica contract.

Benfica president Rui Costa was quoted on Wednesday admitting Benfica will allow the 21-year-old to leave should Chelsea, or any other side, activate that clause.

“We don’t want to give up Enzo Fernandez in January, but we are willing to please the boy in the event of a €120 million offer,” Costa was quoted as saying.

Benfica have now released an official statement reiterating their desire to keep Enzo Fernandez until the end of the season.

“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,” Benfica said in a statement.

“Sport Lisboa e Benfica reiterates its intention to count on the player Enzo Fernández until the end of the season.”

Benfica boss Roger Schmidt was asked if he had pleaded with Fernandez to reject a move away.

“I can’t reveal those conversations,” Schmidt said. “When I talk to the players, these are things I keep to myself. What I can say is what I’ve already said. We all know what football is like.

“These young people have opportunities, and it’s not just about Enzo. If they have opportunities, they have to make decisions, and I respect them.

“I can advise them, but they only have one career. If I can convince them or influence them in a certain way, I try to do it, but I accept their decisions.”