Joao Felix 's uncertain future has left Diego Simeone 'p***** off', it's been claimed.
The Atletico Madrid manager is reportedly angry with his bosses at the Wanda Metropolitano after being told ahead of the January transfer window that Felix's situation would be resolved quickly. The Portuguese forward is being eyed by Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea, but Atletico's lofty demands are believed to have put the Premier League trio off.
Whether it be just over £13million for a six-month loan or a massive £88m for a permanent deal, the La Liga side want to recoup as much of the £113million they paid Benfica for his signature in 2019 as possible if he were to leave the Spanish capital. With United notably put off by Atletico's stance, as they also want his full £250,000-a-week wages covered in a loan deal, Simeone isn't happy.
According to El Larguero on Spanish radio station Cadena SER, the Argentine is becoming more and more frustrated with Felix's future not being decided. Indeed, it has also been claimed that the manager is 'angry' and 'p****d off', having been told Felix’s would be quickly resolved.
The 23-year-old started Atletico's first game after the World Cup break and helped Los Colchoneros to a 2-win at home to Elche by scoring the opening goal. Felix is currently sidelined with an ankle injury and missed Atletico's 2-0 Copa del Rey victory over Real Oviedo on Wednesday, but will be hoping to return ahead of Sunday's mouthwatering clash with league leaders Barcelona.
While he's still a member of his squad, Simeone hopes that the Portugal international can play a key role. "While he's here, I'll try to get the best out of Joao Felix for the club," the two-time La Liga-winning gaffer vowed.
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"When we will see what's going to happen." It's also been reported that Simeone and Felix fell out earlier in the season after three years of difficulty working together, but the player remained tight-lipped on his situation during the World Cup.
"I am focused on the World Cup," Felix affirmed ahead of Portugal's quarter-final defeat to Morocco. "100 percent on the World Cup and having a great World Cup. We are thinking of having a great tournament and on the Portuguese. I will talk about Atletico when the World Cup is over."
United have been most heavily linked with a move for the ex-Benfica starlet, with manager Erik ten Hag confirming that his club want to sign a striker in January. "I think we have a good team when all the players are available, but with many games coming up, I think there is a need [for one]," the Red Devils boss recently admitted. "But you need one who can have an impact, otherwise you are just burning money and you don't strengthen the squad. It doesn't help you."
