Man Utd 'back away' from deal for World Cup star with the Glazers reluctant to spend big in January

Manchester United have “backed away” from a deal for Joao Felix, with club owners the Glazers reluctant to spend big in January, according to reports.

Arsenal, United and Chelsea have all reportedly been approached regarding a January move for the Portugal international.

However, Atletico are believed to be seeking an eye-watering €21million (£18.6million) for the player, comprising of a €15million (£13.2million) loan fee plus a €6m (£5.31million) gross salary.

Felix’s parent club, Atletico Madrid, are unlikely to recoup anything close to the £113million they paid for the 23-year-old in 2019, given how the Portugal star’s development has stalled under the management of manager Diego Simeone.

The Spanish club are now trying to generate as much as they can via a loan deal, after the breakdown of Felix and Simeone's relationship.

Man Utd backing out of Felix deal?

The Telegraph have claimed United are looking for alternatives to Felix, with Atletico demanding double what the Premier League side are prepared to pay to loan the forward.

The Old Trafford club are desperate to bolster their attacking options this month, after the acrimonious departure of Cristiano Ronaldo on the eve of the World Cup.

However, uncertainty created by the Glazer's attempts to sell the club, along with last summer’s £227million spending has meant there is less money available for the winter window.

In turn, The Telegraph have claimed that Erik ten Hag’s side have backed away from a deal for Felix, after being presented with Atletico’s demands.

While United have not pulled out from the deal entirely, there would need to be a fundamental shift in Atletico’s stance for a transfer to take place.

United have been linked with a number of forwards this window, including former player Memphis Depay, Chelsea’s Christian Pulisic and Borussia Monchengladbach’s Marcus Thuram.