Newcastle United ‘ready’ to rival Barcelona for £113m World Cup star

Newcastle United are preparing an ambitious move for Atletico Madrid’s Joao Felix, according to FootballTransfers. The forward looks set to leave the club next year.

Felix joined Atletico Madrid as one of the world’s biggest prospects for a whopping £113 million three years ago after netting 15 goals in 26 matches for Benfica. The youngster struggled to hit the ground running and has failed to reach double figures in La Liga across his three seasons with the club.

However, Felix was named Atleti’s Player of the Year last season and has been a standout performer for Portugal during the World Cup - claiming three goal contributions ahead of their quarter-final clash with Morocco. Despite his improved form, the 23-year-old looks set to for a new adventure after his relationship with manager Diego Simeone deteriorated, resulting in Felix asking his agent Jorge Mendes to find him a new club in the January transfer window. Atletico’s CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin has since confirmed the club’s intention to part ways with the Portugal international.

There are a number of clubs eager to snap up Felix next month, with his asking price likely to be significantly lower than the nine figures they paid for him in 2019. Manchester United are thought to be interested in signing the forward following the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo, however the Magpies have now thrown their name into the hat as Felix’s potential next destination.

Eddie Howe’s side will certainly have no problem in splashing the cash on Felix and could tempt him to St. James’ Park with a lucrative deal, however the attacker would have to take the risk of not being guaranteed European football next season. Newcastle currently sit third in the Premier League table but will have to keep up their impressive form to avoid slipping behind the likes of Liverpool, Tottenham and Man United.

Newcastle could also rely on Kieran Trippier to have a word with his old teammate and tempt him to join the club. The defender joined Atletico Madrid at the same time as Felix and went onto win the La Liga title together two years later. Trippier has previously hailed Felix as a ‘very special’ player following Atletico’s draw with Man United earlier this year.