Joao Felix is reportedly ready to push for an exit from Atletico Madrid during the January transfer window.
When Felix moved to Wanda Metropolitano in 2019, the deal worth £113m was the fourth most expensive ever, and expectations were high that the then-19-year-old would develop into a legendary figure at the club.
Despite helping Atletico to the La Liga title during 2020-21, the Portugal international has failed to meet expectations during his stint in Spain.
In total, the versatile attacker has contributed just 29 goals and 18 assists from 123 appearances in all competitions.
None of those strikes have come during the current campaign, Felix chipping in with just three assists from 596 minutes spread across 12 matches.
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Although he has made seven starts, Felix has not completed 90 minutes since September 3 and remained as an unused substitute during the goalless draw with Club Brugge last week.
According to A Bola, it is the lack of outing against the Belgian side, after being asked to warm-up three times, which has led to him 'losing patience' with Simeone.
With the pair said to have had a falling out in the past, it is claimed that their relationship is now "irreparable" and Felix would prefer to leave Colchoneros.
A major stumbling block could be Felix still having over three-and-a-half years remaining on his contract at the Spanish outfit.
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With there being no prospect of Atletico being able to recoup the fee that they paid in 2019, club officials may have to assess matters on a window-by-window basis in a bid to ensure that they can find a resolution for all parties.
One development which may play into Felix's favour is Atletico having agreed to pay €20m (£17.3m) to complete the permanent signing of Antoine Griezmann.
With no restrictions over the Frenchman's game time, Felix has effectively been demoted down to third choice at best in the pecking order.
Recent reports have suggested that each of Real Madrid and Manchester United are monitoring the situation ahead of making an approach for Felix.
While Real are contemplating whether to make a 'statement' signing, United are contemplating their options with Cristiano Ronaldo expected to leave Old Trafford in one of the next two transfer windows.
Darren Plant
