Atletico Madrid News
Manchester United interested in 30-year-old Atletico Madrid striker for January – report
With Cristiano Ronaldo leaving, Manchester United are scouring the market for a new striker ahead of the January transfer window. And, it has seemingly brought them to the doors of Atletico Madrid.
Indeed, the Premier League giants have been heavily linked with a move for Joao Felix, who is keen on getting out of the Civitas Metropolitano.
But, now, as per reports relayed by Mundo Deportivo, Manchester United are also looking at another Atletico Madrid striker in the form of Alvaro Morata as a possible option for the January transfer window.
While Felix is on the agenda at Old Trafford, reports suggest that the Red Devils are unwilling to fork out the €18 million package that would see them land the Portuguese ace on loan until the end of the season.
Manchester United were also keen on Cody Gakpo of PSV, but have been beaten to his signing by arch-rivals Liverpool, forcing them to look elsewhere.
Morata, thus, has now emerged as a possible option for Erik ten Hag’s side following a decent run at the World Cup where he scored three goals for the Spanish national team.
The 30-year-old is seen as an important part of Diego Simeone’s plans at Atletico Madrid. But considering the club’s poor financial situation and the fact that Morata’s contract expires in 2024, the Colchoneros could be open to doing business.
The report adds that Manchester United, at this moment, would only be able to sign players on loan. However, the La Liga outfit will not be interested in a dry loan deal for the Spanish international and would only consider it if it came with a purchase option at the end of the season.
Morata has previously plied his trade in England, playing for Chelsea. He did not have the best of times at the club though and has since been apprehensive about a return to the Premier League.
With Manchester United now looking at the ex-Real Madrid ace as a possible target, it will be interesting to see if there is any movement on this front next month.
Atletico Madrid News
Atletico Madrid among clubs weighing up a summer move for €20 million Barcelona defender
Having successfully raided FC Barcelona for the signing of Memphis Depay during the January transfer window, Atletico Madrid could look to bring in another player from Spotify Camp Nou come summer.
Indeed, according to SPORT, Atletico are among clubs who are interested in signing Barcelona ace Sergino Dest, who is currently away on loan at AC Milan.
Dest has been out of favour at Barça since Xavi Hernandez arrived at the club back in November 2021. The USMNT right-back was sent out on loan to Milan last summer so that he can play regularly.
The Rossoneri have the option of signing the ex-Ajax man permanently for €20 million, but are unlikely to take it up as the right-back has largely underwhelmed during his time in Italy, playing just 14 games in all competitions.
But, that has seemingly not deterred clubs in La Liga, including Atletico Madrid, who are reportedly willing to take a punt on Dest in the summer.
As things stand, Atletico have Nahuel Molina as their primary right-back, but the Argentine has not been consistent enough in his debut season at the club.
Matt Doherty arrived on a free transfer from Tottenham in January but has only played 12 minutes so far, indicating where he stands in Diego Simeone’s scheme. So, a new right-back might not entirely be ruled out at the Civitas Metropolitano come summer.
Dest, though, is also attracting interest from Sevilla, Valencia and Villarreal, while an unnamed MLS club also want the right-back.
Barcelona, for their part, wish to recoup the €20 million they spent on him almost three years ago, which could become a roadblock for Atletico Madrid if they do indeed pursue the right-back with greater intent.
As things stand, there is just initial interest and there is nothing concrete from Atletico or any clubs. Only time will tell if that changes once Dest returns from his loan spell.
