Real Madrid 'refuse to meet Joao Felix release clause'

Real Madrid have reportedly pulled out of the running to sign Benfica wonderkid Joao Felix as they are unwilling to meet his £104m release clause.

Felix is on the radar of a number of European heavyweights on the back of an incredible season that has seen him play a direct part in 21 Primeira Liga and Champions League goals.

The 19-year-old became the youngest player to score a Europa League hat-trick last week when starring in Benfica's 4-2 win against Eintracht Frankfurt - a match that was attended by scouts from across the continent.

Juventus, Manchester United and Bayern Munich are all expected to make an approach for the Portugal Under-21s international, and they may have been given a clear run at signing him as favourites Madrid are expected to look elsewhere.

A report carried by 90min suggests that Felix's release clause is too high for Los Blancos to consider him a serious option, with Chelsea forward Eden Hazard taking priority for a similar price.