Manchester United are trying to sign a striker on a short-term loan deal but a move for Atletico Madrid’s Joao Felix looks unlikely.
Reality bites after reading months worth of speculation about who Erik ten Hag would be targeting in the January transfer window, but as soon as the Glazers announced plans to listen to offers for the football club I had a feeling that we wouldn’t be making any permanent signings this winter.
The Red Devils were already priced out of a move for PSV Eindhoven forward Cody Gakpo, who is set to complete his £37 million transfer to Liverpool in the New Year. It is believed that United were not in a position to match Liverpool’s offer for the Netherlands international.
A lot of United fans had their hearts set on Gakpo – as a potential forward to replace Cristiano Ronaldo – but the money well is running dry for the Glazer family, hence why the majority of them want to cash in.
With a limited budget, United are looking to sign a player for a smaller fee or on a loan until the end of the season. The Times claims that Atletico Madrid’s Joao Felix is of interest, but United are unwilling to meet the demands set by the La Liga club.
Atletico want a loan fee of £8m as well as Felix’s wages for the rest of the season. In total, that would cost United £16m – without an option to buy the player included in the deal.
The 23-year-old is still one of the most talented young players in European football, but after falling out with Diego Simeone he has reached a point of no return at Atletico Madrid.
It doesn’t sound like Felix will be an option for United, though it seems he will be limited to a Premier League move if Atletico are to benefit financially from such a deal. Chelsea and Aston Villa have been linked with a move for the Portugal international.
The report adds that United intend to sign an orthodox centre forward when the transfer reopens.
