Manchester United striker Federico Macheda has responded to claims that he could be on his way to Benfica.

Reports suggest that the 20-year old Italian, who was recently on loan at QPR, could be involved in a swap for Nicolas Gaitan but Macheda has revealed he would rather remain in the Premier League before eventually returning to his homeland after being linked with both Sampdoria and AS Roma.

"Me to Benfica and Gaitan to Manchester United? I don't know about that, but I want to stay in England in the Premier League," Macheda told tuttomercatoweb.com, who was on loan with Sampdoria last term.

"One day I'd like to return to Italy.

"My experience at Sampdoria last season? I was unfortunate and it was not a good time for me. Would I go back to Sampdoria? I don't know, I would have to think about it.

"I would never go to Roma (as a Lazio supporter), but they do have a nice project building and I know (sporting director, Walter) Sabatini well."

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