Manchester United are on the hunt for a striker in the January transfer window, as confirmed by manager Erik ten Hag following his side’s mid-season training camp in Spain.
United were already short in that department but the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo last month has made the issue a pressing matter.
As things stand, Anthony Martial is the only out-and-out striker at the club and the Frenchman’s injury history does not guarantee that he will be available for the entirety of the second half of the season.
Atletico Madrid attacker Joao Felix emerged as a potential target this winter when it emerged that the Portuguese star’s relationship with manager Diego Simeone was at breaking point.
Speaking during Portugal’s World Cup campaign, Felix was remain tight-lipped on his future and insisted that he will worry about his situation in Madrid when he returns from the tournament.
Now, just days after Portugal were surprisingly eliminated by Morocco in Qatar, a major development in Felix’s future has been revealed.
According to The Athletic, Felix’s agent, Jorge Mendes, is now pushing for the former Benfica starlet to join Premier League side Aston Villa.
Mendes is believed to have a good relationship with the Birmingham club after brokering the deal that saw Unai Emery replace Steven Gerrard earlier this year.
SN’s verdict…
Felix was tipped to have a great future when he broke through the Benfica side but it hasn’t quite worked out for him at Atletico Madrid. He did, however, tear United apart in the Champions League last season.
He is tied down to a long-term contract in Madrid and it’s unlikely that Aston Villa would be able to finance a permanent deal but a loan move could be possible.
Felix fits the profile United are searching for but as mentioned above, Atletico Madrid are likely to seek a large fee for a player they are already willing to part ways with.
Why do you think Villa couldn’t finance the move
Currently no debts and owners backing the mansger