Barcelona star Fermin Lopez rubbishes Chelsea links, Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim on Benfica's radar - Euro Transfer News

Here is a round-up of some of the biggest stories on the continent, including an update on Barcelona star Fermin Lopez's future amid links to Premier League side Chelsea. Elsewhere, Portuguese giants Benfica sent representatives to watch the Manchester derby, just 24 hours after vice-president Nuno Gomes had promised that Ruben Amorim would manage the club "one day".

Chelsea target Fermin Lopez has dismissed any suggestion he came close to leaving Barcelona during the summer, in an interview with Mundo Deportivo.

Lopez, who scored twice during Barca's 6-0 rout of Valencia on Sunday at the Estadio Johan Cruyff, was the subject of concrete interest from the Stamford Bridge club, but chose to remain with the defending La Liga champions.

Speaking after his latest stellar performance, the 22-year-old told the Spanish outlet: "My priority has always been to be at Barca. I arrived when I was 12. It was my dream to be here, to reach the first team. It’s always a compliment when there’s interest from other clubs, but the truth is that I've always had the idea of staying at Barca and being able to succeed here.

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"Ever since I arrived in the first team, I have felt loved by the Catalans. I’m grateful for that and to be an important player for Barca."

Lopez has played in three of Barcelona's opening four league games, and in a separate interview with Marca, the midfielder stressed he never doubted his place in the plans of head coach Hansi Flick.

"I have always wanted to be here, and I will fight to be here for many years," he said.

"The message from the manager is the same as last year. Keep moving forward with intensity and humility. We’re on the right path, and we must continue like this.

"I never doubted being here. There was always speculation over my future at Barcelona. All of that is part of football. I was very calm about it all, and I’m very happy to be here."

Could Benfica offer Amorim Man Utd escape route?

While there has been no suggestion that Ruben Amorim is in immediate danger of departing his position as Manchester United manager, the Daily Mail reports that the Portuguese coach could be offered a way out after the leading candidate to become Benfica’s next president witnessed his latest setback firsthand.

Joao Noronha Lopes has made it public knowledge that he would be open to taking Amorim back to Benfica should he come out on top against Rui Costa in next month’s elections, and is currently leading the polls.

Ruben Amorim

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Lopes was pictured alongside vice-president Nuno Gomes and general director Pedro Ferreira in the stands during United's 3-0 loss at Manchester City.

Bernardo Silva, who featured for the hosts, has also been targeted as a possible recruit with his contract set to expire next summer, but it is the future of Amorim that is of immediate interest.

Barely 24 hours before the match, Gomes told Portuguese media: "Ruben Amorim is the coach of Manchester United, I can't answer that question. One thing I know, Ruben Amorim will be the coach of Benfica one day."

Tudor rewarded for standing by Derby d’Italia match-winner Adzic

Vasilije Adzic could have left Juventus in the summer

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Elsewhere on the continent, there was joy for Juventus at the weekend after their dramatic 4-3 victory over Inter in Saturday night’s Derby d’Italia - but the match-winner could well have been plying his trade elsewhere were it not for head coach Igor Tudor's intervention.

Vasilije Adzic struck in the 90th minute to preserve Juve's 100% record after three games, but the 19-year-old looked to be on his way out of Turin before Tudor vetoed his sale, according to CalcioMercato.

The report claims that Montenegro international Adzic was being monitored throughout the summer transfer window by Serie A sides Sassuolo and Genoa, as well as Palermo in Serie B.

Adzic has kept his head down by forging a strong relationship with assistant Ivan Javorcic, and the midfielder's commitment to the cause is now being rewarded following only his 10th appearance for the Bianconeri since his arrival from Buducnost Podgorica in July 2024.

Highlights: Teenager Adzic scores stunner to win bonkers Derby d'Italia for Juventus

Video credit: TNT Sports

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