Manchester United have reportedly tabled a £68.5m opening bid for versatile Atletico Madrid midfielder Marcos Llorente.
The 26-year-old has been one of the stars of the season for Atletico, who hold a four-point lead on Barcelona at the top of La Liga.
United are said to have identified Llorente as a player who can enhance their current midfield options, but Atleti will take some budging to part with the Spain international.
According to AS, however, United's large offer for Llorente has left the Spanish side contemplating whether to cash in this summer and use the money to strengthen elsewhere.
The same report indicates that the Red Devils are prepared to double the player's £90,000-a-week wages to persuade him to leave Spanish football for the first time in his career.
Llorente joined Atletico from bitter rivals Real Madrid in 2019 and has made 72 appearances for Los Rojiblancos in all competitions.
Daniel Lewis
