"It's about the price..." - Romano claims player could miss out on dream Man Utd move

Fabrizio Romano claimed that Joao Felix could miss out on a dream Manchester United move due to Atletico Madrid’s eye-watering asking price.

Felix was once heralded as the ‘next big thing’ after completing a £113million transfer to the Spanish capital at the age of just 19.

However, things have since gone sour at Atletico, with the club now looking to sell the Portugal international, who has registered just seven goals in 18 appearances this term.

Indeed, there is also now a wedge in the relationship between Felix and his manager Diego Simeone. Earlier this month Atletico CEO, Gil Marín, admitted that it was likely Felix would depart the Wanda Metropolitano.

Marín said: “João Felix has a top level but because of his relationship with Simeone and game time… we feel that makes sense to consider potential bids to sell him. I’d love for Joao to continue, but this is the current situation.”

Felix has reportedly attracted interest from the likes of United, Chelsea, Arsenal, and Paris Saint-Germain. However, the fee Atletico are demanding could be a sticking point in any future deal.

Felix has spoken with United

Transfer guru Romano has claimed that Felix’s agent has spoken to United over the prospect of a future move.

However, the expert claimed there are no negotiations currently taking place with Atletico because of the club’s asking price.

Speaking to GiveMeSport Romano said: “In this case, it’s about the price because Man United have had many conversations with his agent, but at the moment there is no negotiation, no concrete negotiation because of the price.”

It will likely take a huge fee to sign Felix. Indeed, the Evening Standard has claimed Atletico have slapped an £86million price tag on his head.

While it is unlikely United would pay over £80million for anyone in the January market, the club are in need of a new forward.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s acrimonious departure on the eve of the World Cup has left Erik ten Hag with just two senior players capable of playing up font - Marcus Rashford and injury-prone Anthony Martial.

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Topics: Football, Manchester United, Atletico Madrid, Joao Felix, Transfers, Fabrizio Romano

Chris Byfield

Sport journalist with experience writing on football, rugby, boxing and the Olympics. I'm also a Crystal Palace fan. Please don't hold this against me.