Benfica have admitted that a decision over the future of Chelsea target, Ramires, is not entirely theirs to make.
The midfielder, who represented Brazil at this summer’s World Cup, claimed at the end of July that Carlo Ancelotti’s Premier League champions had bid for him.
Ancelotti is believed to view Ramires as an ideal replacement for both Michael Ballack and Joe Cole after the pair left Stamford Bridge.
The Portuguese side admit they only have a small say in his future after selling 80 per cent third-party ownership to several investors.
Club president Luis Felipe Vieira is quoted as saying in The Sun: “Ramires staying at Benfica does not depend solely on us. There is a partnership and we must respect it.
“If there is a good proposal we will do everything we can to make it work for us. We are prepared for all eventualities and have options to fill all the positions.”
