Man United’s Alex Telles insists there is ‘no way’ he would join Benfica due to his Porto ‘legacy’

Alex Telles has ruled out the possibility of joining one of Portugal’s biggest clubs as he edges nearer to a summer exit from Manchester United.

The full-back was sent out on loan to Sevilla last season and helped the club win the Europa League, but has returned to United after his temporary spell came to its end.

Telles still has one year remaining on his deal at Old Trafford, however, it is unlikely he will see out the remainder of his contract given United’s insistence to sell periphery players in a bid to raise funds for new arrivals.

The 30-year-old previously starred for Porto, making 195 appearances during a trophy-laden four-year stint and has explained how his relationship with the club means he could never join Benfica.

Reports in Portugal have linked him with a move to Benfica, but Telles isn’t keen on the idea of joining one of Porto’s rivals and stressed the importance of keeping his ‘legacy’ in-tact.

‘I have an opinion about this. Going back to that subject I told you about leaving a legacy at the club,’ he told the Denilson Show.

‘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?,’ he added.

The Brazilian moved to United from Porto in a £15.4million three years ago as then-manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer sought to bolster his defensive ranks.

But the sacking of Solskjaer all but spelled the end of Telles’ United career as he was eventually shipped out on loan by Erik ten Hag upon taking over at the club last summer.

Ten Hag is seeking to make a series of wholesale changes this summer as the Red Devils try to bring in new star players while also balancing FFP regulations.

Telles is one of the most likely candidates to have his United tenure cut short and wasn’t pictured arriving for the first day of pre-season training.

More Sport Updates: Man Utd Brazilian star ‘Fred’ attracts offers from Turkish, English and Saudi Club & Barcelona reach agreement for top pivot target, signing could be announced tomorrow