Benfica have denied reports that they are on the verge of signing former Atletico Madrid and Chelsea striker Diego Costa.
Spanish sports newspaper Mundo Deportivo reported on Wednesday that Costa had reached an agreement in principle to join Jorge Jesus's side ahead of next season.
However, Benfica took the unusual step of refuting the claim in a club statement on Thursday.
'Benfica denies that any negotiations have taken place regarding the signing of forward Diego Costa,' it read.
'The club reiterates that until the end of the season their entire footballing professional structure's focus will only be on the remaining ten games of the league season and the Taca de Portugal final.