Joao Felix will give Bruno Fernandes and Christian Eriksen a run for their money if he signs for Manchester United.
That's because the 22-year-old Atletico Madrid star - who recently emerged as a target for the Red Devils - sees his best position as a No.10, also Fernandes and Eriksen's preferred place in the team. Felix has reportedly been the subject of a mega transfer bid from United worth £110million, which Atletico have already rejected.
If Erik ten Hag eventually gets his man, however, then Felix wants to operate behind the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Anthony Martial as a striker. "My best position is as the second forward," the Portuguese prodigy told the Athletic earlier this year. “Playing like a No. 10, with a guy in front of me."
Felix's arrival would add competition to the ongoing battle between Fernandes and Eriksen for the sole No.10 spot in Ten Hag's system. So far in their first two Premier League games, Fernandes has been preferred. That's forced Eriksen to play a host of more unfamiliar roles ranging between striker and holding midfield.
Neither player has had any joy, though, with the Red Devils firstly losing 2-1 at home to Brighton & Hove Albion on the opening day. That was before suffering humiliation at the hands of Brentford last Saturday, as Ten Hag's side were destroyed 4-0.
In the interview, Felix also noted how he enjoys playing alongside Matheus Cunha for Atletico, another forward who United have been linked to. As Ten Hag and co scour the transfer market for potential signings ahead of deadline day on September 1, TalkSPORT claimed on Monday that the Red Devils were close to signing Cunha for £42million.
The Brazilian, 23, is versatile attacker like his Atletico teammate, who's able to operate in multiple positions across the forward line. And Felix enjoys playing alongside Cunha, making the prospect of both stars once again being the same team at Old Trafford a salivating one for fans. "I really like to play with Matheus," the Portugal international explained.
"He is Brazilian, so he has that different touch on the ball. Our chemistry is very, very good, on and off the pitch, we fit perfectly together. He will be one of the best No 9s in world football in the next years."
Cunha only joined Los Rojiblancos from Hertha Berlin last summer for £25.3million, contributing to 10 goals in 29 La Liga appearances during his maiden campaign in Madrid. Hertha are entitled to 10 per cent of however much Atletico recoup for their former talisman, but it doesn't seem as if Cunha wants to leave the Spanish capital any time soon.
Get involved! Should Man Utd consider signing Felix and Cunha? Join the debate in the comments section.
"I'm sure we'll have an excellent season, and on the pitch I hope to live up to all the trust the board and coaching staff have placed in me," he recently affirmed to Globo Esporte. "It's a great responsibility, but I feel extremely prepared. I've become an even-more complete player.
"The intensity level in-game and in training is very high. We always work and train to the limit. It's made me evolve. As Atletico's history shows, we have to approach the season with dedication and determination, leaving everything on the pitch. We have a strong squad and excellent coaching staff who've been here a long time."
