Man Utd and Aston Villa both made enquiries into signing a classy forward certain to be on the move, though the player only has eyes for one club.
The Red Devils are hunting a new starting centre-forward this summer, with the Athletic revealing they’re holding parallel talks with Rasmus Hojlund and Randal Kolo Muani.
David Ornstein reported United have agreed personal terms with Hojlund, though there are fears Atalanta’s high asking price – believed to be upwards of €80m (approx. £69m) – will torpedo the move.
Elsewhere, ESPN claimed Frankfurt’s Kolo Muani is Erik ten Hag’s preferred option anyway. The drawback there is the France international will cost far more than Hojlund.
Regardless, the Manchester Evening News reported Ten Hag actually wants a second, more ‘multi-functional’ forward too. His ideal buy would’ve been Cody Gakpo who United chased in January, though the Dutchman eventually joined Liverpool.
One player who would fit the profile Ten Hag craves is Atletico Madrid’s Joao Felix. The Portuguese can operate in a variety of attacking roles and will leave Atleti this summer amid an extremely strained relationship with Diego Simeone.
Atleti had initially hoped to find a permanent buyer, though Felix’s value has dropped after a chequered loan spell at Chelsea.
Reports in Spain claimed Man Utd, Newcastle and Aston Villa had all enquired into signing Felix, most likely via the loan route.
Marca’s David Medina then claimed it was Unai Emery’s Villa who were leading the race and ‘love’ the idea of bringing Felix to Villa Park.
However, according to Felix himself, there’s only one club he has his heart set on joining and it’s Barcelona.
Felix dreaming of joining Atleti rivals
In quotes carried by Fabrizio Romano, Felix remarkably declared: “I’d love to play for Barca.
“Barcelona has always been my first choice and I’d love to join Barca. It was always my dream since I was a kid.
“If it happens, it will be a dream come true for me.”
Whether Felix’s dream does come true will hinge largely on two factors.
The first is whether Atleti would be willing to do business with a direct title rival in Spain. The second concerns whether Barcelona with their well documented financial woes can afford the move.
In any case, Felix’s startling comments would suggest he’ll prioritise joining Barcelona over any and all other clubs this summer.
If Xavi’s side are able to finance a deal, Man Utd and Aston Villa approaches will come to nothing.
