Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo says he is happy Joao Felix is at the club and is prepared to keep him for a number of seasons despite speculation linking him with an exit as Manchester United search for a striker.
The attacker had a tepid loan at Chelsea in the second half of last season, scoring four goals in 20 outings. He has now returned to his parent club but is being tipped to leave Atletico amid reports of a rift with manager Diego Simeone.
United are yet to sign a much-needed striker having had their pursuit of Harry Kane knocked back by Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy. Talks have been held with Rasmus Hojlund while Randal Kolo Muani remains an interest as Erik ten Hag hunts for an alternative.
United have been infrequently linked with Felix over recent transfer windows but are not thought to have registered an interest in the striker this summer.
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An Atletico exit for Felix looks likely after he was made to train away from the senior squad upon his return on Monday, prior to a lengthy chat with sporting director Andrea Berta. The 23-year-old has four years left on his deal, having arrived in 2019 for a club record £111m.
Despite the reported disconnect with Simeone, Cerezo says he is still pleased to have Felix at the club. He said, as per Metro: “We are happy to have a player of the quality of Joao Felix. Fortunately for us, he plays for Atletico.
“He is a player much loved by everyone. To this day and until the contrary is proven, he is an Atletico player for many seasons.” Asked about Felix’s downbeat demeanour when told to train away from the main group, Cerezo played down the situation.
He added: “When you finish your vacation and when they give you those physical beatings [back in training], you undoubtedly get p****d off. You get up at eight instead of 11, I wouldn’t be happy either.”
United are operating with a transfer budget of up to £120m this summer, £55m of which has been spent on Mason Mount. They are targeting a goalkeeper after David de Gea’s exit with the rest, plus profits from sales, to be put towards a striker.
