Man Utd ‘launch first proposal’ for £86m-rated World Cup star after transfer meeting

Manchester United have reportedly made a firm move to take Atletico Madrid star Joao Felix on loan for the rest of the season.

Reports in Spain have suggested the Red Devils have identified the Portugal international as their preferred option as they look to bolster their attacking options following the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo last month. There has been widespread speculation Felix’s relationship with Atleti manager Diego Simeone has become increasingly strained in recent months and a January exit is said to be on the cards.

Speaking last month regarding Felix’s future and a potential exit in the aftermath of the World Cup Finals, Simeone told reporters in Spain: “I hope we can give João some serenity, joy to show what he learned at the World Cup — he’s important. I only focus on Atleti to win. Our CEO words on Joao’s future? Whatever has to happen, will happen. Here no one is untouchable.”

The likes of Arsenal, Aston Villa and Newcastle United have all been linked with a move for the 23-year-old and Spanish outlet Revelo have now reported Felix’s agent Jorge Mendes and the La Liga club’s CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin have held a meeting to discuss the player’s immediate future.

The same report has stated the 13-time Premier League champions have ‘accelerated its intention’ to make a move for Felix and have ‘launched a first proposal’ through Mendes, with an offer said to be around £3m to take the forward on loan for the remainder of the season and cover his wages until the end of his temporary stay at Old Trafford.

However, Atletico are said to want a loan fee of around £9m or a permanent deal worth around £86m to be persuaded to part company with a player they signed to great fanfare in the summer of 2019.