Manchester United and Manchester City have been given a boost in their respective pursuits of Joao Felix after his club Benfica gave an update on his future.
Reports in Spain earlier on Monday seemed to suggest that the race for Felix's signature was over with Atletico Madrid having beaten off the competition to acquire the 19-year-old.
That seemed to deal a huge blow to the two Manchester clubs, both of whom had hoped to lure the young Portugal international to the Premier League.
Following those reports, though, Benfica issued a statement that strongly denied a deal had been struck with Atletico for the talented teenager.
The statement read: "In view of the set of news published in these last hours, Sport Lisboa e Benfica - Futebol, SAD clarifies that it is false that any negotiation process is currently under way regarding a possible transfer of player João Félix.
"More serious, and that deserves our most vehement repudiation and denial, is the false news that refers to negotiations that involve commissions of 30% and which, unfortunately, was echoed in Portugal by the newspaper A Bola, with intentions and goals that we do not know at all.
"We repeat: this information is totally false, absurd and has clearly intentional intentions for the reputation and dignity of Sport Lisboa e Benfica."
Felix enjoyed a breakout season with Benfica which saw him become one of Europe's most sought-after players.
The teenager only debuted for Benfica's first team in August and ended the term with 18 goals in 33 games for the Portuguese champions.
The 19-year-old ended the season by making his debut for Portugal in their Nations League semi-final success over Switzerland, picking up a winners' medal after his country then won the final against the Netherlands.
Both United and City will continue the situation regarding the young star's future.
