João Félix: Manchester City's plan to avoid paying release clause
Senior management at the Premier League club are looking at different options to bring in the highly-regarded player this summer from Benfica.
João Félix is one of the hottest young things around European football right now and has a number of elite clubs keeping tabs on him. The likes of Manchester City, Real Madrid, Atlético and Juventus have all been linked with a move for the Benfica striker, with Cristiano Ronaldo even being reported as putting in a request to have him brought to the Serie A champions. But it is the Premier League club, one that is expected to lift their own domestic title on Sunday, who appears to be the front runner in adding to their already-impressive squad.
City transfer options for Félix
Pep Guardiola is looking for attacking alternatives this summer, especially in light of the rumoured departure of Gabriel Jesús, who has found himself as back-up to Sergio Agüero this season. And although 19-year-old Félix appears to fit the bill - impressing with 18 goals so far this campaign - the Manchester club is not keen on paying the 120-million-euro release clause.
According to Portuguese outlet A Bola, the plan is to reduce the financial outlay by including players already on City's books as part of the operation. These would, of course, have to be footballers who appeal to the needs of Benfica, and could include some of the thirteen players currently out on loan.
For Benfica, they find themselves with a big decision to make. They are very conscious of the interest in their prized asset and know the value he could command. They are also, though, loathed to lose such a talent at this time and may try to convince him to stay for another year in Lisbon, with promises of him being the star of their side, and further aiding his development.