MANCHESTER UNITED have until the middle of next week to secure a loan deal for Joao Felix, according to reports.
The Atletico Madrid forward, 23, joined the Spanish giants for £113million back in 2019.
But he has failed to live up to that price tag, contributing just 38 goals and 14 assists in 130 games.
An alleged falling out with Diego Simeone means Atletico are now willing to offload him.
However, they are refusing to let Man Utd seal the Portuguese international for a cut-price.
Felix’s agent Jorge Mendes met with the LaLiga side’s CEO Miguel Angel Gil on Thursday to put forward the Red Devils’ loan offer of £3m.
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United also said they would be willing to pay the player’s wages.
But according to The Mirror, Atletico rejected that bid and are thought to be holding out for a loan fee of £9.5m AND an obligation to buy for £70.5m.
They are now giving United until the middle of next week to complete a deal.
Erik ten Hag’s men are understood to have first option on Felix and will have 48 hours to match any other offers.
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Arsenal are also renewing their interest following a failed pursuit in the summer, with Mendes set to meet Gunners chiefs to discuss the move.
Felix scored for Atletico against Elche on December 29 but was then left out of Simeone’s squad for their Copa del Rey win over Oviedo on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, United are lining up Burnley striker Wout Weghorst as an alternative should they miss out on Felix.
The 30-year-old Dutchman is currently on loan at Besiktas, but he appeared to say goodbye to the fans after scoring for the Turkish side on Saturday.
Man Utd are in need of a striker following the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo.
Their only options to lead the line currently are Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford – who is proving effective on the left-hand side.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
