Manchester United ‘ask’ about possibility of signing current Chelsea forward

Manchester United ask about the possibility of signing on-loan forward Joao Felix

According to AS (h/t Football.London), Manchester United have inquired about the possibility of signing Joao Felix, who is currently on loan at Chelsea from Spanish side Atletico Madrid.

Chelsea signed the Portugal international in the second week of January on loan. He produced an excellent performance during his club debut against Fulham before getting sent off following a rash two-footed tackle on Kenny Tete.

Since coming back from suspension, the 23-year-old has slowly built up his reputation at Stamford Bridge. Even if he has not scored or assisted a tonne of goals, he looks like a part of this Chelsea team.

Before the Blues signed him in January, Manchester United and Arsenal were in the race to get the Atleti man. United also had Cody Gakpo as their primary target, only to lose out on the Dutchman to Liverpool.

Now, the report is saying that the Red Devils are asking about the possibility to sign Felix, provided he does not stay at Chelsea beyond the end of this season.

Evening Standard revealed that it will cost the Blues around £70m-£80m to sign the former Benfica star permanently. The player himself has not ruled out the possibility of staying put at Stamford Bridge.

With Chelsea potentially selling Mason Mount, Christian Pulisic and Hakim Ziyech, they could do with creative players staying in their squad next season.

Felix fits the bill perfectly in that way. Frank Leboeuf wants the club to sell Pulisic and Mount to fund the transfer of the Portuguese star. Mount’s departure is very likely following the contract drama, while Pulisic is on the list of players who would leave in the summer.

On the other hand, Christopher Nkunku is due to join the club in the summer after a deal had been agreed upon months ago. The Frenchman likes to operate in spaces occupied by Felix.

More Chelsea News:

• England boss Gareth Southgate reveals high regard for Chelsea star Reece James
• Brighton CEO Paul Barber confirms Chelsea star Moises Caicedo will get his chance to play for top clubs
• Ben Foster feels Chelsea must replace goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga

If we look at it this way, it makes no sense for the Blues to sign the latter. Instead, they can let him decide whether to join Manchester United or not. The club should look to buy a striker and alleviate the goal-scoring issues.