Villa have refuted claims yesterday that they bid for £8.2m-rated Benfica right-back Nelson – but there is an interest in the player.

Benfica president Luis Filipe Vieira said: “Nelson is a key member of our side and the money (offered) does not correspond with his market value.”

Nelson’s existing deal expires in the summer of 2009.

Boss Martin O’Neill wants a right-back with Olof Mellberg signing for Juventus in the summer.

Fellow Portuguese defender Jose Bosingwa is O’Neill’s No 1 target but Porto have refused to budge in their massive £22m valuation.

O’Neill has looked elsewhere but Arsenal knocked back their efforts to sign Justin Hoyte, while they were also linked with Tottenham’s Pascal Chimbonda in the transfer window.