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Man Utd ‘touch base over Joao Felix transfer’ despite underwhelming Chelsea stint
Manchester United may strike a transfer deal for Joao Felix, despite the Portugal international struggling for Chelsea last season.
Joao Felix scores sensational goal for Atletico Madrid
Manchester United have made contact over a potential deal for Joao Felix this summer, according to reports. The Portugal international toiled at Chelsea last term. However, he’s reluctant to return to Atletico Madrid and would seemingly prefer to stay in the Premier League instead.
Manchester United were linked with Felix back in January, shortly after the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo.
But the forward ended up moving to Chelsea instead, with the Red Devils then striking a temporary deal for Wout Weghorst.
Felix underwhelmed during his time at Stamford Bridge, scoring just four goals from 20 appearances.
Yet Spanish publication ABC say United are now looking to recruit the 23-year-old as they look for a new forward.
The club know they can’t rely on Anthony Martial to deliver, while Mason Greenwood’s situation remains up in the air.
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Felix is unwilling to go back to Atletico, having struggled to impress for the club since joining in 2019.
Big things were expected when the La Liga giants landed the attacker from Benfica four years ago.
But Felix has clashed with Diego Simeone and is at odds with the Argentine’s style of play.
His No 7 shirt has been given to Antoine Griezmann, who sported the No 8 last term following his return from Barcelona.
Yet while United are interested in Felix, they’re not alone in pursuing a potential deal.
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Newcastle also want the 23-year-old, having already snapped up Sando Tonali from Serie A giants AC Milan.
And Aston Villa are eyeing a spectacular deal as well, with Unai Emery’s side now having European football to offer.
What ultimately happens with Felix remains to be seen.
But United need a striker and it’ll be interesting to see if they’re able to bring the Portugal star to Old Trafford.
Felix isn’t the only forward being linked with a move to Erik ten Hag’s side now the summer transfer window is open.
Harry Kane remains a player of interest, despite Tottenham wanting over £100million to let their talisman go.
United would love to land Victor Osimhen but the Napoli star, at £170m, has been deemed too pricey.
They’re admirers of Randal Kolo Muani and Rasmus Hojlund, of Eintracht Frankfurt and Atalanta respectively.
And reports on Wednesday suggested the club had failed with a swap deal offer for Benfica hitman Goncalo Ramos.
Meanwhile, addressing United’s need for a new striker, Gabriel Agbonlahor recently said he was ‘sure’ they’d be able to reinforce that area of their squad.
“No, no chance,” he told Football Insider when asked if United can get near the Premier League title without an established No 9.
“Rashford’s been outstanding, and you’d say he can do it again. Antony has been poor, so he’ll need to improve his numbers.
“But a striker has to be the top priority.
“They will get one, I’m sure. They’ve still got great pulling power.
“I’m sure by the time the season starts, they’ll have someone in place.
“You can’t rely on Fernandes and Rashford as the main goalscorers. You need someone clinical, and they always have done.
“Going back to the days of Van Nistelrooy, Cole, Van Persie, Rooney, Berbatov. They need a top number nine in that mould.”