As Erik ten Hag looks to strengthen his forward line in January, Manchester United is said to have sent their first bid for Atletico Madrid misfit Joao Felix.
The Red Devils are in desperate need of a new striker after Cristiano Ronaldo left before Christmas and completed a world-record transfer to Saudi club Al-Nassr.
Felix, a former Benfica striker, was one of the possibilities suggested because he had recently struggled in Madrid. Felix is Ronaldo's countryman.
According to a number of rumors, the teenage forward and his manager Diego Simeone don't get along anymore, and the Spanish team is now willing to allow their record acquisition depart the Wanda Metropolitano.
Man Utd has made a bid for the 23-year-old, and in-person negotiations have also taken place considering a move, so it appears that an escape has gotten closer and closer.
A meeting between the club's CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin and Felix's agent Jorge Mendes reportedly took place in a restaurant in the Spanish capital, according to the Spanish news outlet Revelo.
Felix's future is said to have been discussed during the 45 minute conversation that was reported to have taken place.
It is unclear whether United's offer, which was well below Atletico's requirements, was the major topic of discussion.
For a loan agreement that would last through the end of the season, the Red Devils reportedly offered to pay the Spanish powerhouses €4 million.
Given that recent reports indicated that the Spanish team was seeking to obtain either £18 million for a six-month loan agreement or alternatively £86 million for a permanent move, it is quite likely that they will have to enhance that significantly. According to sources from Spain, Atleti hasn't ruled out keeping the Portuguese player through the conclusion of the 2022–23 season and doesn't seem inclined to back down.
An additional setback for United is that competition for Felix's services exists, with Premier League rivals Arsenal rumored to be closely monitoring developments. After Gabriel Jesus sustained a long-term injury, the Gunners need a new forward.
Felix transferred from Benfica to Madrid in the summer of 2019 for a reported £113 million, and he now has a deal that runs until the summer of 2026. Since then, he has made 130 appearances in all competitions and scored 34 goals, five of which have come this season.
Should he decide to depart the Wanda Metropolitano sooner rather than later, Atleti seems to already have a replacement in mind. The striker from Real Betis, Borja Iglesias, 29, who has eight goals in 14 La Liga games so far this season, could be called up.