According to sources in Spain, Atletico Madrid turned down a substantial offer from Manchester United for Joao Felix around €130 million (£110 million).
As Cristiano Ronaldo’s future remains unknown, United boss Erik ten Hag is eager to improve his attacking alternatives before the transfer window shuts.
publishing in Spanish AS cite Felix, a member of Ronaldo’s Portugal national team, has received a massive offer from United
But Atletico Madrid have rejected their approach, according to the report.
It is claimed that Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone views Felix as the team’s most important player.
As a result, Atletico are reluctant to sell the 22-year-old, who has a release clause of €350m (£295m).
One of the most highly-rated talents in European football, Felix became the fourth-most expensive player in history when he joined Atletico in a club-record €126m (£106m) move from Benfica in 2019
But Atletico Madrid have rejected their approach, according to the report.
It is claimed that Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone views Felix as the team’s most important player.
As a result, Atletico are reluctant to sell the 22-year-old, who has a release clause of €350m (£295m).
One of the most highly-rated talents in European football, Felix became the fourth-most expensive player in history when he joined Atletico in a club-record €126m (£106m) move from Benfica in 2019.
He has struggled to live up to his huge price-tag in Spain, scoring 29 goals in 112 games for the club.
But he was part of the side that won the La Liga title under Simeone in the 2020-21 season.
The report claims that United was pleased with Felix’s play in Atletico’s preseason victory over the Red Devil.
In Oslo, Norway, Felix scored the game’s lone goal to give Simeone’s team a 1-0 victory.
Felix has previously been mentioned in relation to a transfer to the Premier League.
The attacker, who has three goals in 22 appearances for the Portuguese national team, has previously drawn interest from Liverpool and Manchester City.
But given that Felix is allegedly “happy” at Atletico, a transfer to English football seems doubtful.
If United have indeed made a move for Felix, it would be a remarkable change in approach from the Premier League club this transfer window.
While Ten Hag is in the market for a new forward, United have been linked with significantly cheaper targets.
