Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone has said that he is 'hopeful' Joao Felix can 'continue at the club' amid the ongoing speculation surrounding the attacker's future.
The 23-year-old has found it difficult to show his best form for the Red and Whites during the 2022-23 campaign, only managing three goals and three assists in 17 appearances in all competitions.
Felix still has another four years left to run on his contract at Wanda Metropolitano, but there has been a host of talk surrounding his future over the last few months.
Manchester United are said to be keeping a close eye on the situation, with the Red Devils looking to bring in a new centre-forward during next summer's transfer window.
Meanwhile, a recent report claimed that Paris Saint-Germain were showing an interest, with the French champions considering making a move during the January transfer window.
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Various reports have said that there is tension between Felix and Simeone, with the Portugal international finding it difficult to secure starts during the 2022-23 campaign.
The former Benfica youngster has only started five La Liga matches this season, while he was named in the first XI in just three of the team's six Champions League group-stage fixtures.
The Red and Whites finished bottom of Group B, meaning that they have also failed to qualify for the Europa League, which is believed to have caused major financial problems.
As a result, there have been suggestions that a number of the club's big earners, including Felix and Jose Gimenez, could be available for transfer at the start of 2023.
However, Simeone has said that he wants to keep hold of Felix because the club "need him".
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"Joao is one of the players who has scored the most goals out of the forwards we have, beyond the fact that he has three now," Simeone told reporters. "He has the goal and hopefully he can continue to be with us because we need him."
Felix was suspended for Atletico's league game with Mallorca on Wednesday night, which ended in a 1-0 defeat for the capital giants.
However, the attacker is available for Saturday's Copa del Rey contest with Almazan, with the club looking to book their spot in the second round of the competition.
Felix has also been named in the Portugal squad for the 2022 World Cup, with Fernando Santos's side taking on Ghana, Uruguay and South Korea in the group stage of the competition.
Bayern Munich are also said to be long-term admirers of the attacker, with the German champions allegedly having a big-money offer for him turned down over the summer.
Matt Law
