Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix's agent Jorge Mendes is reportedly set to fly into the UK this week for transfer talks amid speculation over Newcastle United and Aston Villa interest of the January transfer window.
The Portugal international looks set to leave Atletico in the near future following a bust up this term with manager Diego Simeone. Felix signed for Atletico back in 2019 for a whopping £113m, but has failed to deliver consistent performances in the Spanish capital under Simeone.
According to the Sunday Mirror, Mendes will arrive in the UK next week for in-person talks with Newcastle and Aston Villa, who have emerged as surprise destinations for the 23-year-old.
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Manchester United and Chelsea are also said to be keen on signing Felix with both needing to sign a forward in January. Mendes' decision to speak to Premier League sides directly is aimed at accelerating his client's departure from Atletico.
While Felix has underwhelmed under Simeone, scoring just 33 goals in 129 appearances, it would be fair to note Atletico do not play the most attacking football, free flowing football which would suit the forward.
One of the major issues facing Newcastle and Villa is the fact that Felix wants to play Champions League football, something which neither side can currently offer this season. However, with the Magpies currently sitting third in the Premier League, they are perhaps best placed to offer Felix a chance at Champions League football next term.
While wages would not be an issue, the transfer fee if Newcastle tried to sign Felix in January would likely be an astronomical sum, but it would be a move which would add real star power to the Magpies attack.
Having failed to make the Champions League knockout stages this season, and with qualification for the competition next season not guaranteed, Atletico are in a position where they need to sell in order to remain competitive in La Liga. Moving Felix on in January could be their best option right now.
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