Maxwell not leaving Barca

The agent of Barcelona defender Maxwell has revealed that his client will not join Benfica in the winter transfer window.

The Portuguese giants are understood to be in the market for a new full-back as Joan Capdevila is widely expected to leave the club in January because of his lack of first-team opportunities.

Reports in Spain claimed earlier this week that Benfica were keeping an eye on Maxwell if they failed in their efforts to lure Cristian Ansaldi away from Rubin Kazan.

The Brazilian defender, who moved to Barcelona from Inter in 2009, has made only five club appearances this term, but his agent insists his client is not leaving the Spanish champions.

“The only reason Maxwell has not been playing for Barcelona is because he was injured,” Mino Raiola told Renascenca.

“In the summer, he could have joined Manchester City and Barcelona but did not want it, so he will not be sold to Benfica either, with all due respect for the club.”