Benfica playmaker target holds Manchester City ambition

Al-Ain star Omar Abdulrahman has turned down a loan move to Benfica because he's still hoping to seal a switch to Manchester City, reports talkSPORT.

The 21-year-old playmaker has attracted interest from a number of European clubs, after a series of impressive performances in the United Arab Emirates.

Abdulrahman spent two weeks on trial with Manchester City last year, but failed to secure a permanent move to the Etihad Stadium.

However, the attacking midfielder described the opportunity to train with Roberto Mancini's squad as "an honour", even though it proved to be fruitless.

Benfica have since approached Al-Ain about taking Abdulrahman on loan, with Portuguese newspaper O Jogo claiming that the UAE international snubbed the Primeira Liga outfit's offer.

A move to the Premier League remains the player's number one preference, with a short-term stint with Jorge Jesus's side at Estadio da Luz, not appealing to Abdulrahman, who still dreams of one day signing for Manchester City.