Man Utd submit bid for "world class" forward as Ten Hag identifies his Ronaldo replacement

Manchester United have made the first move for Atletico Madrid star Joao Felix, with Erik ten Hag reportedly keen to bring the 23-year-old to Old Trafford.

Felix's agent Jorge Mendes, is thought to have had a 45-minute dinner in Madrid order to discuss a loan deal for the player, who is rumoured to have fallen out with manager Diego Simeone.

Mendes met with Atletico Madrid CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin at Aarde, a famous restaurant in Madrid, in order to help push a move, claim Spanish news outlet Relovo.

The Portugese star cost the club a whopping £113million in 2019 and Gil has previously admitted that signing the teenager was a "bet", acknowledging his desire to leave. He stated: “Buying him was the biggest bet the club has made in its history,” Gil told TVE.

“I think he is a top, world-class player. But because of the relationship with the coach, his playing time, his motivation… it’d be reasonable to analyse an option for him to depart if one arrives."

Gil continued: “It’s reasonable to think that he might leave. I’d love him to stay. But that’s not the player’s plan.”

What have Manchester United offered?

Manchester United have offered £3.5million for the player's services, according to Relevo, considerably lower than Atletico Madrid's asking price. It was suggested that the Spanish side wanted a fee in the region of £11million, if they were to see him leave.

However, tensions are rising between Felix and Simeone, with Spanish pundit Julio Pulido stating that "Simeone’s anger at Joao is increasing."

Therefore, Atletico Madrid's directors will be keen to see the situation resolved, even if they are to see him depart for less money.

Pulido added: "Simeone is angry with all of this. He wants to know now if he is staying or not. They told him weeks ago that this was going to be fixed soon. He sees the days going by and this is not solved."

Can Felix replace Ronaldo?

Ten Hag has been vocal about replacing Cristiano Ronaldo, who departed for Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr late last month following a fall-out with the club.

It appears Felix has found himself in a similar situation at Atletico Madrid after clashing with Simeone. His position may make him the perfect replacement for Ronaldo, having played alongside him at the Qatar World Cup.

Felix has also been linked with league leaders Arsenal. Mendes, who is also the agent of Ronaldo, previously held talks with the Gunners about a potential loan deal, per Spanish news outlet Corriere dello Sport.

The North London side now look to have had another transfer hijacked, soon after Chelsea entered the race for Mikel Arteta's main target Mykhailo Mudryk.