Real Madrid wanted to sign Benfica wonderkid Joao Felix this summer but have ended their interest in order to get a deal over the line for Chelsea star Eden Hazard, claims MARCA.
The Spanish giants are locked in talks with Chelsea over Hazard’s £100m transfer after the Belgium international confirmed his desire to leave the Europa League winners on Wednesday.
Madrid were also plotting a summer move for Manchester United and Manchester City target Felix, who has emerged as one of the most sought after talents in Europe this season.
Zinedine Zidane’s side wanted to bid €80m (£70.9m) for the 19-year-old and loan the Portuguese attacker back to Benfica for next season.
Felix is now expected to head to Manchester if he leaves Benfica this summer, though the Liga NOS giants are reportedly holding out for the teenager’s full £105m release clause.
The Portugal Under-21 international averaged a goal or an assist every 78.9 minutes of league action this season, scoring 15 goals and providing seven assists in 26 league games.