Newcastle United have reportedly held talks with the agent of Atletico Madrid striker Joao Felix over a potential move in the January transfer window.
The Lowdown: Mudryk alternative?
It was reported on Tuesday morning that Arsenal are well placed to beat the Magpies to the signing of Shakhtar Donetsk winger Mykhaylo Mudryk in January, meaning that the St James' Park outfit may have to start looking at other targets to strengthen their forward line.
They have been strongly linked with a move for Barcelona and Netherlands striker Memphis Depay, so it will be interesting to see who they pursue once the transfer window opens.
The Latest: Felix transfer talks
Co-writing in his latest piece for 90min, transfer expert Graeme Bailey has revealed that Newcastle have 'held talks' with Felix's agent Jorge Mendes over a potential move in January, but the Magpies' negotiations are not advanced as others.
Premier League rivals Aston Villa have done the same, but three of the traditional 'big six' in Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United have held more advanced discussions, and Atletico are prepared to let the 23-year-old leave on loan.
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The Verdict: No-brainer for Newcastle
That Felix is available on loan means that Newcastle could avoid paying a potentially astronomical transfer fee for him, considering that Atletico bought him for an eye-watering £113m in 2019.
Hailed as a 'world class' player on his day by Atletico chief executive Miguel Angel Gil Marin, the 23-year-old showed what he is capable of producing on the big stage at the World Cup in Qatar, scoring one goal and supplying two assists in four starts (Transfermarkt) before Portugal were knocked out by Morocco in the quarter-finals.
Nonetheless, Felix has a point to prove given his sparse involvement at club level this season, and the Magpies could do with extra attacking cover for the injured Alexander Isak, so pursuing the Portuguese gem on loan seems like a no-brainer for PIF.