Aston Villa have reportedly emerged as shock contenders to sign Joao Felix from Atletico Madrid, with the forward keen to leave the Spanish side.
Felix has started just five league fixtures this season and the 23-year-old is understood to be open to an exit following his lack of minutes. His deteriorating relationship with Diego Simeone has led to transfer speculation and Atletico will consider offers for the club’s record signing.
Manchester United and Chelsea have been linked with a move for Felix, who has impressed for Portugal at the World Cup this winter.
The forward provided two assists in the 6-1 win over Switzerland on Tuesday, as Portugal progressed to the quarter-finals in Qatar.
Marca are reporting that Aston Villa have emerged as shock suitors for Felix, who moved to Atletico in a deal worth £113m in 2019.
According to the report, the player’s agent Jorge Mendes is in favour of the move to Villa Park as Felix looks for regular first-team football and Atletico CEO Miguel Ángel Gil MarÍn has already held negotiations with the Premier League side.
It would represent a huge statement of intent for Villa under new manager Unai Emery, with Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain also among the clubs said to have considered an approach.
