Benfica are confident they've seen off interest from Liverpool in teenager Diego Lopes.

The News of the World says Diego Lopes turns 16 in May and some clever planning on the advice of sporting director Rui Costa, the former Portugal international, looks to have paid off with the forward expected to sign his first professional contract with the Lisbon giants.

Reds boss Rafa Benitez was alerted to the teen prodigy's potential when he started playing above his age group after being highly recommended by Rui Costa.

The player is aware that both Liverpool and Lyon would like to snap him up.

However, Benfica shrewdly relegated him out of their junior team (Under-19s) when the Merseysiders came sniffing after only two appearances at that level.

It meant Diego slipped off the radar and he will only play for the juniors again for a short time next season before being elevated into the first-team squad, such is his potential.