Benfica have handed Argentina star Angel di Maria a gold-plated contract in a bid to see off interest from Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal.
The winger is about to sign a one-year extension on his contract that will see his buy-out clause raised from £27million to a prohibitive £45m.
Di Maria has been tracked by many of the best clubs in Europe, including Real Madrid, Inter Milan and the Barclays Premier League trio, which he admits is flattering.
Nonetheless, he is poised to clinch a deal to 2013 that will see his wages rise by more than 50 per cent from £90,000 a week to a staggering £140,000.
'I live in the present and not the future,' said the 21-year-old. 'My deal is with Benfica although I am pleased by the news of interest from foreign clubs in me.
'This season is decisive for me and I still want to help Argentina fight for the 2010 World Cup.'
Benfica have previously insisted they would not sell the former Rosario Central player for anything less than his release clause and he could come under the spotlight again if he and Argentina get to South Africa 2012.
The tricky winger starred in his country's march to gold at the Beijing Olympics, scoring the only goal in the final against Nigeria and also hitting the net in the 2-1 quarter-final victory over Holland.
Benfica are now set to turn their attention to improving Brazil defender Luisao's contract. The 28-year-old has been attracting Manchester City.
The winger is about to sign a one-year extension on his contract that will see his buy-out clause raised from £27million to a prohibitive £45m.
Di Maria has been tracked by many of the best clubs in Europe, including Real Madrid, Inter Milan and the Barclays Premier League trio, which he admits is flattering.
Nonetheless, he is poised to clinch a deal to 2013 that will see his wages rise by more than 50 per cent from £90,000 a week to a staggering £140,000.
'I live in the present and not the future,' said the 21-year-old. 'My deal is with Benfica although I am pleased by the news of interest from foreign clubs in me.
'This season is decisive for me and I still want to help Argentina fight for the 2010 World Cup.'
Benfica have previously insisted they would not sell the former Rosario Central player for anything less than his release clause and he could come under the spotlight again if he and Argentina get to South Africa 2012.
The tricky winger starred in his country's march to gold at the Beijing Olympics, scoring the only goal in the final against Nigeria and also hitting the net in the 2-1 quarter-final victory over Holland.
Benfica are now set to turn their attention to improving Brazil defender Luisao's contract. The 28-year-old has been attracting Manchester City.
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