Manchester United are prioritising a move to sign Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix during the January transfer window, according to The Athletic‘s David Ornstein.

The trusted journalist believes that, due to a possible takeover of the club, the Red Devils will only sanction loan deals, and an approach for Felix will only be approved if the finances are right:

“United are focused on a central striker for January. They see [former target Cody] Gakpo primarily as a wide forward and, therefore, they also are looking at somebody like Joao Felix, if they can do that loan deal, and there will be a number of options as well… The only name I’m hearing primarily at the moment is Joao Felix, again if the numbers come down on a loan basis.”

Atletico had been looking to sell Felix for €100m (£88m) next month but they have now reduced their demands to a loan deal without a purchase option. Any club would still have to pay an £8m loan fee, in addition to taking on his £5.3m net salary in full.

For the time being, it appears United are willing to wait it out until the cost of the deal comes down. With Arsenal and Chelsea said to be keeping tabs on the striker‘s situation as well, though, Erik ten Hag’s side could be in danger of losing another target if they take too long.