Axel Witsel, Belgium

Transfer news: Premier league clubs will have to splash out for Benfica’s Axel Witsel

Benfica have confirmed that midfielder Axel Witsel can only leave the club if his suitors match his €40million (£31m) release clause.

Belgium international Witsel, 23, has been linked with a host of top European clubs this summer, including Premier League trio Chelsea, Man Utd and Man City.

“Every club knows what his release clause is,” Benfica president Luis Filipe Vieira told Antena 1.

“If they come here and pay that fee, then there is nothing that we can do.

“We are very happy with Witsel and we do not think about selling him.”

Combative midfielder Witsel joined Benfica on a long-term contract from Belgian side Standard Liege last year, meaning the Portuguese club are under no pressure to sell.