Joao Felix breaks silence on Manchester United transfer links

Atletico Madrid attacker Joao Felix says he “did not hear anything” regarding a Manchester United transfer this summer.

The Reds were linked with the Portugal international as Erik ten Hag looked to reinforce his attacking options ahead of deadline day. The 22-year-old helped his club knock United out of the Champions League at the Last 16 stage last season.

He netted in the 1-1 first leg draw in Madrid before playing the whole 90 minutes of the Old Trafford tie, which was decided by a goal from new Nottingham Forest signing Renan Lodi. Felix sparked speculation amidst the tie in February when he hailed Portugal teammates Bruno Fernandes, admitting they spoke over text.

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He said: “With Bruno, we exchanged messages when the draw was made. Bruno is a very, very good player. It is very easy to play with him. When he has the ball, he always chooses the best option, to give you a chance to score.

“That is why he gets a lot of assists." However, Ten Hag ultimately ended up with preferred target Antony as Felix entered his fourth season in Spain.

The youngster, who bagged a hat-trick of assists in Atletico’s 3-0 opening day win over Getafe, recorded 10 goals and six assists last season. He is expected to make the national team plane for the World Cup alongside Fernandes, Cristiano Ronaldo and Diogo Dalot.

It seems Felix was not close to joining his countrymen at Old Trafford, though. When asked by Marca about reports that linked him with a £113m to United, he replied: “I didn't hear anything, that was something for the president to deal with. I am here.”

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