Manchester United have refuted claims that they have had a mega-money bid turned down for Atletico Madrid star Joao Felix amid a subtle dig from the Spanish side.
Reports in Spain suggested that the Red Devils were aiming to sign the former Benfica forward amid a last-dash scramble for signings in the final few weeks of the transfer window. It was suggested that United had seen a €130m (£110m) offer rejected by Atleti - the La Liga giants keen on keeping hold of Felix and would only sell for his eye-watering €350m (£296m) release clause.
That certainly seems unlikely considering the Red Devils’ dire need for even more signings following their horrendous start to the new campaign under Erik ten Hag. Atletico have also gone one step further by issuing a hands-off warning via their own Twitter account.
They shared an image of Felix in training alongside the caption “priceless” in what was sure to be a pointed message in the direction of Old Trafford.
Now though, United have responded in kind. According to Mail Online, the club have refuted claims that they have seen their initial offer for Felix rejected as ‘pure nonsense’.
It remains to be seen whether that interest remains over the closing weeks of the campaign as the Red Devils look to continue adding to the signings of Tyrell Malacia, Christian Eriksen and Lisandro Martinez. Felix looks slightly to be on the unlikely side with the 22-year-old Portuguese still having four years left to run on his contract at the Wanda Metropolitano.
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Meanwhile, he has also signalled his happiness at life with the Spanish giants. "I'm happy, I'm working to help the team, give joy to the club and all the people of Atleti. The other years I always tried to be better,” he said to AS.
“If this is my year, I don’t know. It depends, we don't know about the future. But what I can assure you is that I am doing my best to be at the best level so that I can help the team and the club.
"I arrived here young, I'm still young but I've already grown a lot and I'm sure to grow more. And I'm fine. I'm happy. I have a calm head and when so, things go naturally and let’s hope things are good.”
Whilst Man Utd appear highly unlikely to complete a deal for Felix, it appears that one man is set to arrive from Madrid. Various reports have suggested that the Red Devils are close to agreeing a deal for Real Madrid star Casemiro.
The club are set to pay just under £60m for the Brazilian’s services, whilst he will pen a four-year deal at Old Trafford.
