Manchester United have been dealt a blow to their hopes of signing Joao Felix after it emerged the attacker supports one of their Premier League rivals.
Felix is free to leave Atletico Madrid in the January transfer window, with a loan deal increasingly likely. He has failed to live up to his hefty price tag at Atletico, with his game time steadily decreasing over the first half of the season.
The 23-year-old was still called up to Portugal's squad for the World Cup and he started four of their five games at the tournament. Despite his impressive displays for his country, it appears he will now be leaving the Wanda Metropolitano, if only temporarily.
United are thought to be one of the frontrunners to sign him as Erik ten Hag looks to boost his attacking options. The Red Devils terminated Cristiano Ronaldo's contract last month, with a hole in the squad for an attacking player.
Felix is one of their top targets, but they may have to overcome a surprise obstacle if they want to sign him. Last month, the attacker revealed to Adri Contreras that he is a supporter of Leeds United.
The Whites are a traditional rival of United's, with bad feelings running between the two clubs. If Felix does support them, it could be a blow to the Red Devils, who are prioritising an attacker in January.
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Atletico boss Diego Simeone has also left the door open to Felix remaining at the LaLiga side. He insisted that the fault for Felix's poor performances at club level lies with him rather than the Portugal star.
“I care about the team. He is an important player and if he transmits what we saw in the first matches of the World Cup it will be very important. He has talent, conditions and the team needs his qualities," he said.
“I live from day to day and try to solve the situations that I have to solve. I will try to play with the people who I think can win the game, that is the important thing about everything. It's a good working relationship.
"From my place beyond some differences that there may be in the people we are, we can't agree on everything. We have differences, but I always looked for the best for the club until the last day that I or the players that I have had to direct are there.
"Squeeze the maximum out of everyone until the last day that I am there or those who have to be there are. João was a sensation in the World Cup. We have important players and I am the one who has to improve so that they can improve their level in LaLiga."
Chelsea and Arsenal are also interested in signing Felix, though with no club willing to match Atletico's high demands for a permanent transfer, a loan appears most likely. Felix will hope such a move can reignite his career after a disappointing three years in Madrid.
