Romano reveals Atletico want ex-Man Utd star to replace Felix with 'direct contact' made

Atletico Madrid are reportedly interested in signing ex-Manchester United forward Memphis Depay to replace Joao Felix, who is set to join Chelsea on loan.

The future of Felix has been uncertain in several weeks, with the 23-year-old linked with loan moves to Arsenal and Manchester United.

But Chelsea swooped in to win the race for the Portugal star, reaching a verbal agreement with Felix to move to Stamford Bridge on a temporary basis until the end of the season.

Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that the Blues will pay an €11 million fee for the forward, and cover his full salary. Meanwhile, he is set to extend his Atletico contract until the summer of 2027, which would appear to make the negotiation of a permanent move more challenging.

Meanwhile, Diego Simeone's side have already identified a potential replacement.

Atletico keen on Depay

Romano has claimed that Atletico have enquired about Depay, who played for Manchester United between 2015 and 2017, ahead of a potential move.

He reports: "Atletico Madrid have asked Barcelona for Memphis Depay. Negotiations will take place this week as direct contact has been scheduled to make the first proposal. Atleti have Depay in the list as one of possible replacements for Joao Felix."

Depay was originally signed for the Red Devils by Louis van Gaal, but his spell at Old Trafford would turn out to be disappointing.

The 29-year-old scored only two league goals in 33 Premier League appearances, and departed for French side Lyon.

It was in France that Depay would reignite his career, scoring 63 league goals in 176 games before sealing a move to Barcelona in the summer of 2021.

But while the start to his Camp Nou career was promising, Depay has dropped down the pecking order under Xavi. According to Marca, Barca are open to selling the Netherlands international this month to ease their wage bill concerns.

Reports in Spain claimed last month that the forward would be available for just £1.7 million, which has attracted United and Arsenal to a potential move.

A ready-made spot in the Atletico team as a replacement for Felix may able to the player more, but it remains to be seen whether he elects to leave Barcelona and stay at Camp Nou for the rest of the season.