Jorge Mendes ‘had a 45-minute showdown dinner’ with Atletico Madrid CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin in order to ‘accelerate’ Joao Felix’s exit… as Manchester United’make £3.5m loan offer’ for the ‘unhappy’ Portuguese star.

In order to ‘accelerate’ Joao Felix’s exit from Atletico Madrid, his agent, Jorge Mendes, reportedly met with him for 45 minutes at a restaurant in Madrid to push a loan offer from Manchester United.

United manager Erik ten Hag has made no secret of his desire for January reinforcements, particularly in attack, following the decision to terminate Cristiano Ronaldo’s contract at the start of the World Cup.

According to Relovo, Mendes and Atletico Madrid CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin held a showdown meeting at Aarde, a famous restaurant in Madrid, to facilitate the ‘unhappy’ Portuguese striker’s exit.

Jorge Mendes reportedly met with Atletico Madrid’s CEO for dinner in order to ‘accelerate’ Joao Felix’s departure, amid Manchester United interest.

Felix is reportedly putting pressure on Mendes to break into the Atletico Madrid first team, with the Portuguese attacker telling his agent “over and over” how much he wants to leave due to a personality clash with manager Diego Simeone.

Felix has made just one start for Atletico Madrid since September after falling down the pecking order under Simeone, and he was left out of their squad entirely for their 2-0 Copa del Rey win over Real Oviedo on Wednesday.

According to Relevo, United have been monitoring Felix’s situation and have made an offer of £3.5 million, as well as being willing to pay his wages for the remainder of the season.

Erik ten Hag, the manager of Manchester United, has made no secret of his desire to sign a new striker.

It’ll be interesting to see what came out of the reported 45-minute pow-wow at the restaurant, with both men seen leaving together at the end.

The problem appears to be one of valuation.

United’s reported offer falls short of Atletico Madrid’s, who are believed to be seeking a fee in the region of £11 million before allowing Felix to leave.

Felix cost £114 million to Atletico Madrid in 2019, making him the most expensive teenager in history, and he has 34 goals in 130 appearances for the club.

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has dropped the Portuguese forward.

United missed out on Cody Gakpo, who joined Liverpool for £44 million, and Ten Hag is aware that they have a spending limit this month to bring in a new forward, which appears to be pushing them towards a loan deal until the end of 2022-23.

‘It’s always difficult because strikers are expensive, especially in the winter,’ said Ten Hag last week. ‘However, you must set high limits.

‘We’re looking for it; we need to be creative and do everything in our power to bring in the right players who fit the balance.’

Man United are considering a January move for a £40 million-rated World Cup star.

Manchester United are reportedly looking to strengthen their attacking options during the January transfer window, with manager Erik ten Hag targeting Mohammed Kudus.

According to the Daily Star, ten Hag wants to raid his former club Ajax for the 22-year-old Ghana international, and it remains to be seen whether the Red Devils will be able to complete the transfer before the January transfer window closes.

Manchester United were also heavily linked with Cody Gakpo, but the former PSV Eindhoven attacker has now joined Premier League rivals Liverpool.

Manchester United will need to improve their attacking options, especially after Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure, and the 22-year-old Ghana international could be a good addition.

Kudus has 10 goals and two assists for Ajax this season in all competitions, and he has been outstanding in the Champions League, scoring four goals and providing two assists in six group games.

Furthermore, the 22-year-old performed admirably for his country during the recently concluded World Cup, scoring two goals in three group matches.

There is no doubt that the versatile forward has the ability to thrive at a top club like Manchester United, but it remains to be seen whether the Red Devils and the Dutch club can reach an agreement.

The player is reportedly valued at £40 million, and Manchester United certainly have the financial resources to complete the transaction.

Kudus can play in a variety of positions, including as a center forward. He can also operate as the number ten if he drops down. If ten Hag is able to sign him, his versatility will be an added bonus for the Red Devils.

Ten Hag knows everything there is to know about the player, and the 22-year-old won’t need much time to adjust to the Dutchman’s system after playing under him at Ajax. Both parties would benefit from the move.