Chelsea have left the way clear for Manchester City to land Benfica star Angel di Maria.

The Telegraph says Chelsea have dropped out of the running to sign Di María after balking at the £36 million asking price. That has left the way open for the Argentine winger to join Manchester City.

It is understood that Manchester City are keen to complete a deal next summer, when it is likely that they will move on Robinho, probably to Barcelona, but Di María's club, Benfica, are hoping to complete the transfer in January.

They have approached Atlético Madrid in a bid to sign Portuguese international Simao Sabrosa and want to try to push that deal through as soon as possible and before a lower buy-out clause in Di María's contract kicks in at the end of this season.