Villa target commits to Benfica
by Toby Davis, 06 July 2008
Aston Villa’s hopes of landing Benfica full back Nelson have been dashed after the player pledged his future to the Portuguese club.
Nelson reportedly headed Villa boss Martin O’Neill’s wish-list to replace the out-going Olof Mellberg and a fee of around £8 million had been touted.
But the 25-year-old insists he has no intention of leaving Benfica and will now look to negotiate a new deal with the club.
Nelson told Portuguese newspaper Record: "It is true I went far enough to consider leaving, but now I intend to negotiate my contract with the club [Benfica].
"I have received some offers but none have come to anything and everything points to me staying.
"It is good that clubs appreciate my work, but I want to stay here under better economic conditions."