Atletico Madrid have reportedly made Manchester United target Joao Felix available for loan in the January transfer window.
Journalist Duncan Castles wrote in the Daily Record that the Spanish outfit are willing to loan out the 23-year-old when the market starts.
Felix would apparently cost an £8 million loan fee for any suitor, as well as the full cost of his wages until the end of the season.
There would be no obligation to buy, offering more freedom for all parties if any temporary deal does not work out as planned for any reason.
Felix could join United on loan in January
The report claims that Arsenal are actually in more advanced discussions to sign Felix than United are at present.
The Gunners lost first choice striker Gabriel Jesus to injury at the World Cup and he has had surgery which will rule him out for a substantial period.
That means a short term loan deal might work for them, but United also need firepower following the exit of Felix’s Portugal teammate Cristiano Ronaldo.
Cody Gakpo looks the outstanding candidate to come in during January, but Erik ten Hag may decide he needs another frontman if £8 million is worth the punt on Felix.
It has been clear for a little while now that Felix wants to leave Atletico when the transfer window opens, but until now, it has been reported that they want a huge transfer fee for him.
That never looked realistic during the winter window and it seems Madrid have now laid out a plausible plan for Felix if this report is true.
£8 million is still chunky for a loan fee but Felix could be a real asset for any club and it is clear he wants a new challenge in his career.
Felix of course scored against United in the Champions League last season as Atletico knocked a Red Devils side then managed by Ralf Rangnick out at the last 16 stage.