Man Utd transfer target lined up to replace Joao Felix after Chelsea move

11 January 2023 , 11:15

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Joao Felix looks set to leave Atletico Madrid on loan (Image: Getty Images)

Atletico Madrid are reportedly ready to pounce for Manchester United-linked forward Memphis Depay as they prepare for the exit of Joao Felix.

Former Benfica star Felix, still Atleti's record signing, is expected to join Chelsea on loan for the remainder of the season. The Blues will fork over a seven-figure loan fee for the 23-year-old, though reports conflict over whether they will have an option to make the move permanent.

Man Utd were said to be interested earlier in the window, though the loan fee - and apparent requirement to cover the forward's wages - saw their interest wane. United have also been linked with a move to bring Memphis back to Old Trafford, but this could now be in doubt with Atleti considering a move for the Dutchman.

Joao Felix will become the second forward to leave the Wanda Metropolitano in January, following Matheus Cunha's move to Wolves. Marca reports that Borja Iglesias remains their primary target, but out-of-favour Barcelona man Memphis has also emerged as a potential recruit.

Reports suggest a short-term deal until the end of the season is a possibility, making use of the relationship between Barca and Atleti. Diego Simeone's side have turned to Camp Nou more than once in the recent past, signing Luis Suarez in a cut-price deal before bringing Antoine Griezmann back to the capital.

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Griezmann's deeper role means the need for attacking reinforcements has become more urgent. The only other recognised forwards in Simeone's squad are Alvaro Morata and Angel Correa, so a deal for Memphis could solve a big problem for the 2021 champions.

Should Man Utd come back in for Memphis? Have your say in the comments section

Memphis Depay has struggled for minutes at Barcelona this season (Alberto Saiz/AP/REX/Shutterstock)

Memphis first joined Barcelona in the summer of 2021, off the back of a 20-goal season with Lyon. The Dutch international was Barca's leading scorer in his first season at Camp Nou, but has dropped down the pecking order after the summer arrival of Robert Lewandowski.

Manager Xavi could be forced to trim his squad amid financial concerns, with Barca dropping out of this season's Champions League despite a summer of big spending. The Catalan club offloaded the likes of Philippe Coutinho and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang over the summer, but more cuts may be needed.

Memphis' links with Man Utd came despite him finding things tough in his first Old Trafford spell and leaving just 18 months after his big-money move from PSV Eindhoven. He scored just seven times in 53 appearances for United, with only two of those goals coming in the league.

Now, though, United appear to have turned their immediate interest to Wout Weghorst. The on-loan Besiktas striker, a team-mate of Memphis at the 2022 World Cup, has been linked with a January switch after rediscovering his goalscoring touch in Turkey.

Tom Victor