Manchester United are one of the clubs interested in signing Atletico Madrid star Joao Felix on loan this summer, according to ABC (page 46).
The Red Devils were heavily linked with the Portugal international during the January transfer window, but they were reluctant to meet Atletico’s demands.
As a result, Felix made the switch to Chelsea on a short-term loan, but he struggled at the club with only four goals and no assists from 20 outings.
The Blues are not interested in re-signing him, but ABC report that United, Newcastle and Aston Villa have made contact with his agent Jorge Mendes.
None of them have approached Atletico for the 23-year-old, but it is claimed that the Spanish outfit don’t want to sell him in the current transfer window.
His valuation has taken a huge hit after the poor loan spell at Chelsea, and Diego Simeone’s side are most likely to send him out on a season-long loan.
Felix is ‘seduced’ to continue in the Premier League, but prefers a Champions League club.
United should avoid pursuing Felix’s signature
Chelsea signed Felix from Atletico in January after paying a hefty loan fee of €11 million (£9.4m) while covering his £240,000-a-week wages until June 30.
Felix had a lively start on his debut against Fulham, but received a straight red card for a reckless challenge. On his return, he showed glimpses of his quality.
However, four goals from 20 games did not justify the huge £15m fee paid to Atletico.
Blues manager Mauricio Pochettino decided against re-signing him as soon as he was appointed, and United should avoid an approach for his services this summer.
Atletico could demand £15-20m for Felix’s temporary exit with his salary being covered.
The overall outlay could be between £25-30m for a loan deal. With United’s limited transfer budget, we simply don’t see manager Erik ten Hag sanctioning the move.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Capology.com
