Joao Felix is the latest name to be linked with a summer move to Newcastle United. The Atletico Madrid and Portugal star is set to be on the move again, with a loan deal seeming likely. He spent the second half of last term at Chelsea but a return there doesn't seem likely.
Chronicle Live understands that Atletico chiefs are receptive to the idea of a move to Newcastle but sources in Spain have also indicated there are "three to four clubs" from the Premier League who are already queuing up for Felix's signature for 2023/24. And there is also interest in Turkey with Galatasaray also keen.
Should he move to Tyneside though, he would link up with his former Madrid colleague Kieran Trippier. And the Toon captain has already given his verdict on the 23-year-old.
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Speaking to BBC 5Live last year after watching Felix score a superb headed goal in a Champions League game against Manchester United, Trippier gave his verdict on the youngster.
And despite being impressed by his talents he did speak of the need for Felix to do more in training, given his lack of starts for Atletico.
Trippier said: "It was unbelievable (the goal). He can do so many things like that. He has the quality.
"But it says a lot about the manager. It doesn’t matter how good you are. If you’re not working hard enough in training, he doesn’t care about the name, he doesn’t care how good you are, you won’t play. You need to run through a brick wall for him.
"Joao has got all the ability in the world to be a world-class player, but if he’s not doing all the things the manager demands in training, he’s not going to play. That’s what he needs to realise sometimes. He’s got all the talent in the world and, after his performance tonight, hopefully he gets many more games."
Felix would ultimately struggle for game time in Spain, hence his mid-season switch to Chelsea. Despite that move not paying off, Newcastle look to be up against plenty of opposition in the race for his signature.
