Benfica have rejected a formal offer from Manchester United for winger Angel di Maria.

Sir Alex Ferguson was willing to pay £10million plus Portuguese winger Nani to Benfica to lure one of the hottest properties in world football to Old Trafford.

But Benfica rejected the bid out of hand, pointing out that Di Maria, 21, has a £40m buy-out clause in a contract he signed two months ago, says the News of the World.

The winger has been hailed by Argentina boss Diego Maradona as his country's next big superstar.