Manager rules out signing Manchester United player amid potential fan backlash

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Alex Telles is not on the list of Portuguese club Benfica, despite claims he was a player they were interested in.

The Manchester United defender is looking for a new club after his loan at Sevilla expired.

Brazilian outlet Torcedores had reported interest from Flamengo was set to be challenged by Benfica, who are looking for a replacement for Bayer Leverkusen-bound Alex Grimaldo.

Record report Benfica boss Roger Schmidt is not willing to sanction a deal and won’t be moving for Alex Telles.

A move for Telles would have caused a potential fan backlash, report A Bola, due to his past as a Porto player.

Alex Telles scarf controversy

Alex Telles managed to offend Benfica in 2018 during Porto’s title winning celebrations.

He held aloft a scarf with the words, ‘Toda e merda Benfica’, an expletive insult towards Porto’s rivals.

Benfica fans have not forgotten, and A Bola reported Benfica fans ‘have not reacted well’ to hearing Telles’ name linked to them.

Telles was even forced to issue a public apology at the time, writing: “I will never support hatred. In an innocent way and in euphoria, I ended up showing off a scarf that was passed to me not knowing what was written on it.

“I respect everyone and every club, if anyone was offended it was unintentional and I apologize. Long live FC Porto. I love this club and that’s all I want to feel and think.”

READ: Confirmed Manchester United transfers in, out, loans, releases, youth for 2023/24

Telles could return to Porto instead

A more popular move could see Alex Telles make a return to former club Porto. O Jogo has reported they are interesting in re-signing the defender.

As for Flamengo’s interest, the Brazilian club are only interested in a loan deal, which is unlikely to appeal to Manchester United.

Telles has one year left on his contract at United, so it is important to cash in for a small fee this summer.

The defender is surplus to requirements at Old Trafford, behind Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia in the first team queue.