Reports in several British newspapers claimed that Enke was confident of making a challenge to Fabien Barthez because of the Frenchman's erratic form.

But Enke's agent, Goerg Neblung, says no talks have taken place with United since the Premiership champions tried to sign the Benfica star during the close season.

"The last conversation we had with manager Alex Ferguson and chief executive Peter Kenyon was last summer regarding the player's transfer," said Neblung.

"There has been no further contact with Manchester United to the player, or to me.

"He was close to signing last summer but Fabien Barthez was number one at Manchester United and is still is number one because he is a great goalkeeper.

"Enke does not want to be number two or three."

Enke, who arrived at Benfica in the 1999-2000 season from Borussia Monchengladbach, will be out of contract in the summer.

He has played all 13 league matches this season for Benfica, who are just one point off the top of the table.

United have also been tracking Bolton's Finnish international keeper Jussi Jaaskelainen as Barthez struggles to find his best form in United's colours this season.