Joao Felix: Newcastle target Atletico star but he wants Man Utd

Jacque Talbot

• Updated: 9 Dec 2022 11:22 GMT
• 4 min read

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Newcastle are among the clubs interested in Joao Felix, FootballTransfers understands, but the Atletico Madrid star's preference is to land a transfer to Manchester United.

The Magpies are targeting the star, while reports in Spain have also linked the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal and Aston Villa to the forward, who is valued at €34 million by FootballTransfers.

However, Eddie Howe wants to learn more about the player’s personality, while the uncertainty of Champions League football remains a sticking point. Meanwhile, Felix has reservations about joining a side whose project is still in its infancy.

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Newcastle believe that the 23-year-old could eventually be sold by Atletico Madrid at a cut rate - but the prospect of rupturing their structured wage bill may also be problematic.

FootballTransfers can reveal that Manchester United are the player’s preferred option, with the OldTrafford club needing a replacement for the recently departed Cristiano Ronaldo.

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PSG Joao Felix's likeliest destination

At present, it’s thought that the likely destination is Paris Saint-Germain, with Bayern Munich also among the clubs who wish to bring in the Portugual international.

Those close to the player admit that he is unhappy at Atleti and is hopeful of a swift exit from the La Liga side owing to his frosty relationship with head coach Diego Simeone - with January thought to be an ideal time.

We are also told Atleti could accept a loan with an option-to-buy in the winter window, with €100-140m expected for the player in the summer. It’s not clear at this point whether the side would be willing to accept staggered payments, something Newcastle want to do to ensure they meet Financial Fair Play restrictions.

Additionally, Atleti are looking for a defender for when veteran Felipe leaves. FootballTransfers understand that Caglar Soyuncu, who has not renewed his contract with Leicester, is very likely to be the one to come in as the Brazilian’s successor.

Felix the answer for Man Utd

Ronaldo had his contract cut short after his bombshell interview with Piers Morgan, leaving Man Utd in need of a fresh attacker.

As we have previously reported, the intention has been to wait for the summer transfer window to spend vast sums, but with the superstar now off the wage bill, it has freed up their options for next month.

Felix, who was named Atletico Madrid Player of the Year in 2021/22, shares the same agency as Ronaldo and the player strongly desires a move to Old Trafford.

But it would take for Man Utd to be in a secure position in the Premier League table come January for them to outmuscle the heavyweights also vying for Felix’s signature.

PSG hold the strongest interest, but their current star-studded attacking set-up means that Felix would not be a guaranteed starter for them. Their interest in Marcus Rashford could make for an interesting dynamic, however.

Felix has scored 33 goals for Atleti since arriving from Benfica for €126m in 2019, having played 129 games for Los Colchoneros so far.