Manchester United and Arsenal have reportedly formally expressed their interest in signing Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix during the January transfer window.
The Portugal international is believed to be keen to leave Wanda Metropolitano during the winter market, having struggled to make his mark during the 2022-23 campaign.
Felix has only managed five goals and three assists in 19 appearances for Atletico this season, including four goals and three assists in 13 outings in Spain's top flight.
Atletico head coach Diego Simeone recently said that he has "a good working relationship" with Felix amid suggestions that there is tension between the two individuals.
"We have a good working relationship. Since I have been at the club I have never left, beyond some differences that exist between people, and we can't agree on everything, and I have looked for what is best for the club until the last day," Simeone told reporters.
"Everyone is giving their maximum. What matters to me is the team and he is important to the team.
"If he gives us what we saw in the World Cup, he will be very important. He has the condition and the talent and the team need his qualities."
However, shortly after the World Cup, Simeone said that no player at the club was "indispensable" amid claims that the forward could leave this month.
"No one is indispensable and things will be as they have to be. It is very important for us. He has had a good World Cup, he participated in goals with the importance that the coach gave him," he told reporters.
"Hopefully we can have the best Joao who he saw himself in the World Cup. Hopefully we also give him that peace of mind and joy to show in the game all that was seen in the World Cup."
Felix joined Atletico from Benfica in July 2019, and he has made 130 appearances for the Red and Whites in all competitions, contributing 34 goals and 18 assists.
The Portuguese is not expected to leave on a permanent basis, but a loan move has been widely discussed, and according to The Athletic, both Man United and Arsenal have been in touch with Atletico to register their interest.
The report claims that the capital outfit want a £19m package for Felix, including a loan fee and his wages, but neither Premier League club have signalled that they would be prepared to meet those demands at this stage.
Chelsea have also been credited with an interest, although it is understood that the Blues are looking to sign a more natural centre-forward this month.
Felix, who helped Portugal reach the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup, was on the scoresheet in Atletico's 2-0 win over Elche in La Liga on December 29. body check tags ::
