Enzo Fernandez ‘set to play for Benfica tonight’ but transfer talks with Chelsea back ON despite manager’s claims
CHELSEA target Enzo Fernandez is expected to play for Benfica tonight - but talks with the Blues are back ON.
The midfielder was left out of the squad that beat Portimonense on Friday due to his ongoing transfer saga with Chelsea.
But the Portuguese giants then appeared to confirm that a move to West London was off after boss Roger Schmidt said the deal is "closed".
The Benfica manager said: "The Enzo story is closed, there's nothing left. He's our player.
“He's in a good position, Enzo is happy, training well, he's part of the team.
"He's a key player. That's all."
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And outlet Record have revealed that Fernandez is now set to play some part in their Taca de Portugal fifth round tie with Varzim this evening.
The report states that he will get some minutes in preparation for the Lisbon derby with Sporting next weekend.
But claim that talks between Fernandez and Chelsea are still ongoing behind the scenes, which has left Benfica "angry".
The Blues are hoping to include players in the deal including Morocco's World Cup star Hakim Ziyech, who started both recent games against Manchester City.
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Fernandez has returned to training after being overlooked for Benfica's last match.
But the 21-year-old's uncertain future in Portugal looks set to rumble on throughout January.
