Atletico Madrid have suggested that Joao Felix could remain in Spain amid interest from the likes of Manchester United.
The Portuguese star has fallen out of favour at the Wanda Metropolitano and has been linked with a move to the Premier League. The Red Devils are among the clubs who are seeking more firepower as they look to aid their top four push following Cristiano Ronaldo's departure.
Arsenal too have been linked with a move for Felix as they look to find cover for Gabriel Jesus with their title charge still very much alive. Atletico chief Enrique Cerezo has appeared to pour water on the notion of the forward leaving the Spanish capital however.
He told radio show Carrusel Deportivo : "Nothing is impossible in life, but the normal thing is that Joao Felix stays at Atletico Madrid." Atletico's financial demands have certainly complicated any deal. Mirror Football understood that they were demanding a £9.5m loan fee and a commitment to buy at £70.5m when they negotiated with the Manchester outfit.
Super agent Jorge Mendes had a meeting with Atletico's CEO Miguel Angel Gil on Thursday as he put forward United’s opening offer of a straight loan - a £3m and a commitment to cover the player’s wages, but the LaLiga giants have rebuffed that offer.
Atletico are now seeking a loan fee of £18.6m, but will not include any option to buy, which is unlikely to attract any potential suitors. Arsenal's main January target has been Mykhaylo Mudryk and they continue to negotiate with Shakhtar Donetsk over a potential fee.
United meanwhile could turn their attention to Dutchman Wout Weghorst - previously of Burnley. The forward is now at Besiktas and the Premier League club are exploring the possibility of a loan deal. Weghorst scored for the Turkish side at the weekend and appeared to issue a goodbye gesture.
Besiktas head coach Senol Gunes said after the match: "Weghorst is an important player for us. It is not enough to say goodbye to the audience. He also needs to talk to the club. I have heard of such a development, but it is not clear. I'll consider [him] leaving after I talk to both him and the club."
Erik ten Hag has underlined the need to bring in a striker by highlighting the workload placed on Anthony Martial, who he is continuing to manage. "There is a reason [Martial has been substituted in his last seven games]. It is because he cannot manage the load," Ten Hag said. "This is why we are looking for another striker."
