'Player is open' - Romano gives big update on 'special' Man Utd target compared to Kaka

Man Utd transfer target Joao Felix is 'open' to leaving Atletico Madrid in January, according to transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano.

The Red Devils have been linked with launching a bid for the 23-year-old, who is currently starring with Portugal at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Felix has struggled for consistent form at Atletico this term, registering four goals and three assists in 18 appearances.

But he did score for Portugal in their 3-2 win over Ghana in the World Cup, helping to get his nation's tournament off to the ideal start.

He was likened to Brazil legend Kaka before his move to Spain, whilst former Benfica team-mate Jonas described the player as 'special'.

Earlier this week, Spanish outlet AS reported that Felix is currently unhappy with his situation at Atletico, given he has often been behind Antoine Griezmann and Alvaro Morata in the pecking order in recent weeks.

The issue for both parties, however, is the £113 million fee that Atletico paid to bring the Portugal star to the club from Benfica in 2019.

Diego Simeone's side would want at least a significant portion of that fee paid to them in return for allowing Felix to depart for pastures new.

But Romano has given a new update which could lead to Felix leaving in January - whether that be permanently or on loan.

Romano gives Joao Felix update

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano confirmed that United held interest in Felix in the summer, but the player was deemed as 'untouchable' by his current club.

The journalist also revealed what it would take for the 23-year-old to leave Atletico in January or next summer.

He explained: "It is true that Joao Felix is open to leaving Atletico Madrid in 2023. We will see whether it will be in January or a summer move, but Joao Felix is open to a potential move. It doesn't mean that he has asked the club to leave at all costs.

He continued: "We have to mention one thing - that Atletico Madrid invested more than €120 million on Joao Felix in the summer of 2019.

"It is a lot of money, so people on the board are still trying to protect the player. They still hope that Joao can make it as an Atletico Madrid player, not selling him. But they also know the situation is not easy.

"On a technical point of view, it also means that the next lcub of Joao Felix has to bring a really important proposal.

"This is why we will have to see if it will happen in January, or the summer. Jorge Mendes, the agent of Joao Felix, is working on these possibilities.

"He is trying to understand which club can make a really important bid, more than €120m, for Joao Felix, and to try and find a solution."