The Athletic journalist David Ornstein has revealed that Manchester United transfer target Joao Felix has reached a 'verbal agreement' to join Chelsea.

The Lowdown: Felix interest

United's interest in Felix has been well-documented, as they look for attacking reinforcements after letting go of Cristiano Ronaldo.

They have also been strongly linked with a move for Besiktas and Netherlands international striker Wout Weghorst, on loan from Burnley, but the latter two clubs would have to come to an agreement to terminate his contract, before Burnley could then negotiate with the Old Trafford outfit over a deal.

The Latest: Chelsea 'verbal agreement'

Taking to Twitter, Ornstein revealed that fellow Premier League rivals Chelsea have now reached a 'verbal agreement' to sign Felix on loan for a fee of €11m (£9.68m), a player that he confirmed United were 'keen' on:

"Chelsea reach verbal agreement to sign Joao Felix on loan from Atletico Madrid. Fee ~€11m (below initial #Atleti ask). Man Utd + Arsenal keen so 23yo had choice & #CFC project appealed. More reinforcements to follow this month."

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The Verdict: Blow

It is a blow for United to lose out on Felix, especially to a 'big six' rival in Chelsea.

Lauded as a ‘world class‘ player on his day by Atletico chief executive Miguel Angel Gil Marin, Felix showed that he is capable of producing on the big stage at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, scoring one goal and making two assists in four starts (Transfermarkt).

It is safe to say that it has not quite worked out for him in Spain, with just £113m.

Nonetheless, Felix is still just 23 years of age, and so still has such a high ceiling, so the Red Devils may feel a bit gutted that they have missed out on this one.