Atletico Madrid tell Manchester United ‘they demand’ a £70.5m commitment to buy for Joao Felix

Atletico Madrid will demand a £9.5million loan fee and a commitment to buy at £70.5 million for Manchester United target Joao Felix. 

The Portuguese star is expected to leave the Spanish capital this month, after falling out of favour at Atletico after a number of run-ins with boss Diego Simeone.

A clutch of Premier League clubs have been linked with the 23-year-old, but United are currently one of the frontrunners, according to The Mirror’s report. 

Erik ten Hag has been looking to bolster his attacking options following the controversial departure of Cristiano Ronaldo in December, and Felix remains a possible target. 

United have presented an opening offer of a straight £3m loan for Felix, with a commitment to cover the player’s wages. However, the proposal was rejected by the Atletico’s CEO Miguel Angel Gil when presented by Felix’s agent Jorge Mendes. 

The Spanish club have now given the Red Devils until the middle of next week to see if they can match their valuation of the player. It is believed United still have first option on Felix, but will only have 48 hours to match any offers from other clubs. 

Erik ten Hag is keen to add more firepower to United’s attack after the exit of Cristiano Ronaldo

Felix has struggled for game time this season after falling out of favour with boss Diego Simeone at Atletico 

Arsenal have been interested in the Portugal star since the summer, and Atletico believe that Mendes has met with the Gunners to see if the retain an interest in bringing Felix in during this window. 

With reports that Felix’s former team-mate at the Emirates, Thomas Partey, has been trying to persuade him to move to north London. 

Meanwhile across London, Chelsea have also show an interest in a quick loan deal and are reportedly looking to secure a move for Felix. 

Felix joined Atletico Madrid for a club record fee of £113 million in 2019, but has been reduced to just ten starts so far this season and  was left out of the squad for Wednesday night’s Copa Del Rey win over Oviedo. 

He is just one of several attacking options being looked at by United, who have also been linked with Memphis Depay, Olivier Giroud and most recently Wout Weghorst.