Benfica president Luis Felipe Vieira admits he made a contract offer to Edinson Cavani over the summer.
Cavani signed for Manchester United a fortnight ago, though not before fielding offers from around the world after coming off contract at PSG.
Among the proposals was one from Benfica as Vieira recalled to RTP: "Benfica made a sensible proposal.
"When everything suggested that we were going to close, I received a written proposal asking for almost twice the amount spoken. Then I replied that we were not interested.
"If we were interested? Yes. If I have met him face to face, maybe we would have signed a contract."