According to reports, Manchester United have initiated discussions with Joao Felix from Atletico Madrid regarding a potential transfer to Old Trafford.
The 23-year-old’s future currently hangs in the balance after an unsatisfactory loan spell at Chelsea, where he managed to score four goals in 20 games during the second half of the 2022-23 season.
Despite speculation of a permanent deal, Mauricio Pochettino, the Chelsea manager, chose not to bring Felix back to bridge, leading the Portuguese international to return to Atletico.
Unfortunately, it appears that Felix’s relationship with Diego Simeone deteriorated last year, making it highly unlikely for him to revive his career with Atletico as long as the Argentine remains in charge.
Although Atletico recently extended Felix’s contract until 2027, it is widely anticipated that the Spanish giants will allow the attacker to leave for the right price ahead of the 2023-24 season.
Luis Enrique, the manager of Paris Saint-Germain, is believed to be interested in securing Felix’s services at the Parc des Princes, and it seems that the striker shares the Spaniard’s desire for a move to the French capital.
However, ABC claims that Manchester United have also revived their interest in the 23-year-old, who was initially expected to join the Red Devils in January before Chelsea swooped in.
There are reports suggesting that Felix is being pursued by three other Premier League clubs, namely Newcastle United, Aston Villa, and Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Furthermore, Atletico might consider loaning Felix out again instead of selling him this summer due to a decline in his market value. A low-cost deal could be feasible for Manchester United given their restricted budget.
Manchester United are actively seeking a new number nine for the upcoming season, but they have faced obstacles in their pursuit of various targets, particularly Harry Kane from Tottenham Hotspur.
Although the England captain could become a free agent next year, Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy is demanding a price of at least £100 million and is reluctant to sell Kane to a Premier League rival.
In addition, Randal Kolo Muani from Eintracht Frankfurt and Victor Osimhen from Napoli are considered too expensive options, while negotiations with Atalanta BC for Rasmus Hojlund have stalled.
Earlier this summer, Manchester United secured the signing of Mason Mount from Chelsea for an initial fee of £55 million. The club is also in talks to acquire Andre Onana, the Inter Milan goalkeeper, for approximately £50 million.
The uncertainty surrounding Manchester United’s ownership situation has also hindered their transfer activities, meaning that Erik ten Hag may have to wait until 2024 before he can welcome a high-profile striker to the Theatre of Dreams.
Manchester United began their pre-season campaign with a 2-0 victory over Leeds United in Oslo on Wednesday and will face Lyon in Edinburgh on July 19 for their next match.