Manchester United have reportedly made an approach to sign Joao Felix on loan, but the club’s offer falls significantly short of Atletico Madrid’s valuation.
Felix has been linked with an exit from Atletico after a frustrating period in the Spanish capital, with the forward having started just six league fixtures under Diego Simeone this season.
A host of Premier League clubs, including Arsenal and Chelsea, have monitored his situation and Felix’s impressive performances at the World Cup in Qatar have increased interest.
According to Spanish outlet Relevo, United have made an approach to sign Felix on loan until the summer. The deal would include a loan fee of €4m and the 23-year-old’s wages covered in full, while there would be no option to turn the deal into a permanent move.
However, according to the report, Atletico are demanding significantly more for the Portugal international and want a loan fee of around €12m-€13m. The Spanish side are said to be relaxed about Felix’s situation and have not ruled out the forward remaining at the club across the second half of the season.
Atletico have already sanctioned the loan exit of Matheus Cunha to Wolves and are considering Real Betis’ Borja Iglesias as a replacement if Felix does depart this winter.
United view Felix as an option to replace Cristiano Ronaldo, who left the club by mutual consent in November and has since signed a lucrative deal with Saudi side Al Nassr.
United have also been linked with the likes of Barcelona’s Memphis Depay and Bayern Munich’s Eric Choupo Moting as they look for cut-price options up front.
