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Manchester United are reported to still be interested in Atletico Madrid attacker Joao Felix despite deciding against making a loan move for the Portuguese attacker during the January transfer window.
Following the breakdown of his relationship with Atletico head coach Diego Simeone, Felix left the Wanda Metropolitano Arena in the winter market, moving to Chelsea on loan for the remainder of the campaign.
The Portugal international was dismissed on his debut for the Blues against Fulham on January 12th, causing him to miss the team’s next three matches. However, he has since made a strong impression, scoring against West Ham United and Everton in the Premier League.
Man United Interest in Felix Remains
The loan agreement between Chelsea and Felix does not include a purchase option, so he will return to his parent club this summer to prepare for the 2023-24 season.
Despite the fact that he still has four years remaining on his contract, the 23-year-long-term old’s future in Madrid is extremely uncertain.
Man United are understood to have a long-term interest in Felix, with the Red Devils highly connected with his talents in 2019, when he moved to Atletico from Benfica.
Erik ten Hag’s side ultimately decided against pursuing a loan move in January due to the cost of the transaction, instead bringing in Wout Weghorst from Burnley.
But, the club will be seeking a high-priced attacker this summer, and according to AS, Manchester United has already contacted Atletico Madrid to express their interest.
The Portuguese has scored 34 goals and registered 18 assists in 131 appearances for Atletico in all competitions.
During the first half of this season, he scored four goals and dished out three assists in 14 La Liga games for Diego Simeone’s team, while representing his country at the 2022 World Cup.
Atletico are said to be aiming for roughly €100m (£88m) for Felix this summer, which would still make him a cheaper choice than both Tottenham Hotspur’s Harry Kane and Napoli’s Victor Osimhen.
Chelsea Could Contend with Man United for Felix’s Services
Chelsea are also rumored to be interested in signing the attacker permanently this summer, but it may be difficult to convince him to accept a long-term contract without Champions League football for next season.
Graham Potter’s side are now 10th in the table, 11 points behind fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur, but they would qualify for next season’s Champions League by winning the 2022-23 European Cup competition.
Man United, meanwhile, sit third in the division, three points clear of fifth-placed Newcastle United.
The Red Devils have yet to make concrete plans for the summer transfer window, though, as the club’s ownership remains uncertain and the Glazers continue to negotiate a sale.
If the club comes under new ownership by the end of this season, then Erik ten Hag and his management team may be handed a significant sum to acquire the players they want.
Ten Hag’s side face Newcastle in their next Premier League fixture following the end of the current international break in April.
A victory for the side over the Geordies will go a long way in securing their third spot in the league and assured Champions League football next season.
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