Manchester United left-back Alex Telles has ruled out the prospect of joining Portuguese giants Benfica this summer.
The Brazilian, who has returned to Old Trafford after spending the entirety of last season on loan at Sevilla, is expected to leave United this summer after being deemed surplus to requirements by Erik ten Hag. He has not made a competitive appearance for the Reds since the final day of the 2021/22 season.
United are well-stocked at left-back and Telles is understood to have been identified as a "must-sell" player by the club this summer. Fellow defender Eric Bailly, who also spent last term out on loan, has been listed in the same category.
The left-back has been linked with a collection of European clubs in recent weeks, including Benfica, who scooped the Portuguese title last term. They won it by just two points ahead of Telles' former club, FC Porto.
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Telles joined United from Porto back in October 2020, meaning it would be controversial for him to return to Portugal and join their biggest rivals. And that is why he has outright dismissed the idea of joining Benfica this summer, suggesting that it would damage the legacy he set at Porto.
Telles, speaking on the Denilson Show, said: "I have an opinion about this. Going back to that subject I told you about leaving a legacy at the club.
"When you play for a club and leave a legacy, leave a good image, fought so hard to play and leave a good image… I, Alex, would not play for the rival, for example. Because, for example, I made history at Porto, everyone likes me there.
"There's no way to play for Benfica, you know?"
The Brazilian, who will turn 31 later this year, has made just 50 appearances for United since joining the club almost three years ago. Telles made just 12 appearances fewer at Sevilla last term, playing 38 times in all competitions, helping them win the Europa League.
Telles is out-of-contract at United next summer, meaning this current transfer window could represent the Reds' last chance to pocket a fee for him. However, they do have the option to extend his stay by a further year, taking him up to June 2025.
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