South African international Benni McCarthy would rather quit football than face going back to Celta Vigo, according to his agent.

McCarthy has been on-loan at FC Porto since December, and has proved a revelation in Portugal, scoring 12 goals in 11 league games.

The player's agent Rob Moore told the AS newspaper the rift between Celta and McCarthy is too serious to reconcile.

He said: "Benni will not play for Celta again, because they don't know how to treat their players, even if it means he may have to quit playing football."

Porto and English Premiership side Middlesbrough now look set to do battle for the £5million-rated forward.

Despite his agent's comments, Celta insist the player will return to Balaidos after the World Cup for further talks.

The club's press officer Vecino Esquadra said: "Once the season has finished then Benni will be a Celta player again.

"He will then go to the World Cup with his national side before returning to Vigo where negotiations will take place regarding his future at the club.

"That will be the time for the player and the club to consider any other offers."