Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea have reservations over Atletico Madrid’s £8million loan fee for Joao Felix, according to talkSPORT.
The 23-year-old is available in January after being relegated at the Wanda Metropolitano under boss Diego Simeone.
Atletico chief executive Miguel Angel Gil Marin revealed earlier this month that the Portugal international had been snapped up – sparking interest from a number of Premier League clubs.
Felix has been offered to Arsenal, Chelsea and United, all three sides in the market to strengthen their attackers in the New Year.
But talkSPORT’s Alex Crook said Atletico’s £8million loan fee was “prohibitive” for the England trio.
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This figure is particularly high for the Red Devils, the Glazer family is reluctant to invest because they want to sell the club.
And Crook also ruled out that Wolves, who have signed Portuguese players in recent years, will bring in the ex-Benfica star.
Crook tweeted: “Re Joao Felix. He has been linked with various Premier League clubs including Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United.
(Wolves are not currently sitting at the table).
“The desired loan fee of around £8m will prove unaffordable, particularly at United, where ownership is uncertain.”
Felix has emerged as one of Europe’s most exciting players since joining Atletico in 2019, scoring 33 goals in 129 games.
Arsenal are keen to bring in a striker due to injury to Gabriel Jesus, while Chelsea are preparing to replace Armando Broja due to a knee knock.
Meanwhile, United boss Erik ten Hag has made signing a striker a key priority after Cristiano Ronaldo’s contract was terminated by mutual consent.
Should United get the chance to sign Felix, they couuuuuuuuuuuld turn to Atletico team-mate Alvaro Morata.
According to ESPN, the Chelsea flop is an option for United if the Spanish side are willing to listen to loan offers.
United were keen to secure the services of PSV shot-stopper Cody Gakpo, but Liverpool swooped in and hijacked the deal.