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The Mirror 11mos ago
Aston Villa play waiting game with Atletico Madrid over Joao Felix transfer
Source:The Mirror:

Aston Villa remain interested in signing long-standing target Joao Felix but a move will only happen if Atletico Madrid set what Villa consider to be realistic financial terms once the La Liga club have completed their PS82million deal for Manchester City forward Julian Alvarez Aston Villa remain prepared to pursue an ambitious deal for Joao Felix late in the transfer window - if Atletico Madrid set realistic financial demands.

The Portuguese attacker has featured prominently for Atleti throughout pre-season following his loan spell with Barcelona, despite a fractious relationship with Diego Simeone.

But with Julian Alvarez set to arrive from Manchester City in an eye-watering PS82million move, Felix's future at the Wanda Metropolitano remains unclear and he could yet be loaned or sold to help save or recoup some cash.

Villa are long-standing admirers and their interest remains live but there is some concern the numbers involved in a package - both regarding a fee and wages - could prove unaffordable.

The 24-year-old was not offered to City as part of the Alvarez deal despite suggestions he was floated as makeweight during negotiations.

The sale of Jhon Duran, who now looks more likely to remain at Villa Park than depart following talks with West Ham and Chelsea, could aid any late push for Felix if it was to materialise.

Speaking to sports newspaper L'Esportiu last October, Barcelona vice-president Eduard Romeu revealed Felix took a significant pay-cut to facilitate his loan switch to Catalonia.

Joao Felix is back at Atletico Madrid following his loan spell with Barcelona ( Image:It goes without saying that even if Villa can strike a deal with Atleti, Felix would likely have to reduce his salary - just like Philippe Coutinho when he joined from Barcelona in 2022.

Villa, who are determined to remain compliant with PSR rules while also displaying admirable ambition, have already got two big-earners in Douglas Luiz and club-record signing Moussa Diaby off the books this summer and Diego Carlos could yet follow after Fulham saw an opening bid rebuffed for the 31-year-old Brazilian.

Monchi has also brought in a host of new - and old - faces for Emery including PS50m midfielder Amadou Onana, Ross Barkley, Enzo Barrenechea, Samuel Iling-Junior, Ian Maatsen, Jaden Philogene, Cameron Archer and Lewis Dobbin (loaned to West Brom ) and the club are expected to remain active during the final weeks of the market.

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