Atletico Madrid enter race for Manchester City target Joao Felix

Atletico Madrid have entered the race to sign Benfica wonderkid Joao Felix, claims The Daily Mirror.

The Spanish side are planning for the potential departures of Diego Costa and Antoine Griezmann and want to make a statement signing.

Felix has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester United and Manchester City after emerging as the hottest talent in Europe last season.

The Portugal international will use his summer holiday to mull his next move but now Atletico have positioned themselves for the teenager.

Atletico are in talks with Felix’s agent, Jorge Mendes, and it is thought a move to the Spanish side would be the next best step in his career.

There are concerns Felix would not get regular playing time at City, while United are currently a mess on and off the field and no longer an attractive proposition.

Felix did not make a great impression during the UEFA Nations League finals but was a revelation during the second half of last season for Benfica.

The 19-year-old scored 15 goals and registered seven assists in 26 league appearances last term, playing a direct hand in a goal every 78.9 minutes of playing time.