EXPRESS
Manchester United could look to hijack Chelsea’s move for Joao Felix in the summer transfer window when he is due to return to Atletico Madrid, according to reports in Spain. The Portugal international has made a fine impact since arriving on loan at Chelsea in January but with the Blues unable to agree a permanent clause within the agreement, his signature is potentially up for grabs ahead of the 2023/24 season.
Chelsea will dispute those claims as they are expected to launch a bid to make the deal permanent at the end of the season but with Atletico Madrid looking to maximise their profits, there is a sense they could simply entertain the highest bidders.
According to Spanish newspaper AS, United are weighing up a fresh swoop for the 23-year-old having previously considered a loan move in January.
It was previously speculated that United made a loan proposal for Felix before he joined Chelsea while there was also talk they made a mega bid last summer that was rebuffed by Atletico.
United were short of finances in January which is why a summer move this time around could prove to be beneficial.
And if they have Champions League football in the bag it could provide them with a unique advantage over transfer rivals Chelsea, who are currently 10th in the Premier League table.
Speaking at the start of the month, Felix hinted staying at Chelsea could hinge on Champions League qualification.
He said: “In terms of if I want to stay or not, I think the future, no-one knows. Now I am just focused on tomorrow’s game. After that, we don’t know what will happen. But I am happy here.
“The club is so big it is amazing, everyone behind the club is so good so yes I am happy to be here.”
It’s been some months for the forward since sealing his loan switch having received a straight red card on his debut against Fulham for a horror lunge on Kenny Tete.
He has since mustered two Premier League goals, the latest of which came in Chelsea’s 2-2 Premier League draw with Everton last Saturday.
