How much!

FIFA U-20 World Cup Semi-Finals

Benfica have increased their buy-out clause to 50million euros for coveted Argentinian forward Angel Di Maria.

The 21-year-old moved to Portugal in 2007 from Rosario Central and has attracted considerable attention since, not least as he scored the winner in the 2008 Olympic final against Nigeria.

The player, who has gone on to make three appearances for the Argentina senior side, has previously been linked with Chelsea, Arsenal, Inter Milan and Real Madrid.

His buy-out clause has now been upped from 30million to 50million euros ahead of any possible bids. (Sky Sports)

Portuguese giants Benfica have increased the buy-out clause for Angel Di Maria to a staggering £40m as they brace themselves for a huge bid from the Premier League.

Liverpool and Chelsea both tracked the 21-year-old Argentinian forward last summer and Di Maria has become one of the most sought after young talents in the world.

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is still a big admirer but Benfica are determined not to let Di Maria go on the cheap, especially if he proves to be a big star at next summer’s World Cup. (Daily Mirror)

Whilst we may not have very much money to spend it does appear we are still linked to players who cost a shed load but at least by not having cash to spend means we will not make the mistake of forking on this kind of money for a player who is still very much the unfinished article.

Angel Di Maria is a much coveted winger who has done very well since moving from Rosario to the Portuguese League, but if the intention of slapping a huge price tag on the youngster is to get maximum exposure then it won’t work and if the intention was to scare off potential suitors, I would have suggested releasing a press statement with big five foot high neon letters saying “HE IS NOT FOR SALE” would do more good.

Yes we could do with a striker signing at the club, but there is no way we would or even should, pay such an inflated fee unless the striker concerned is David Villa! I live in hope that one day the incredible Spanish strike pairing or El Nino and Villa could be replicated at Anfield, yes it’s a dream but not an impossible one!


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