According to the Sun, Newcastle United are interested in loaning Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix, but his wages could be a sticking barrier.
The 23-year-old spent the second part of the season on loan with Chelsea, but new head coach Mauricio Pochettino appears to have decided against signing Felix on a permanent basis, leaving the Portugal international in limbo.
Following a squabble with Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone earlier this year, the Spanish club has been ready to offload Felix, who has struggled to impress for the club since joining from Benfica for €126 million in 2019. Felix has only scored 36 goals in almost 100 games for Atleti, and with no permanent suitors, another loan move appears to be the most likely option this summer.
The forward has expressed a desire to play in the Champions League, which raises the prospect of a loan move to Newcastle this summer, after the Magpies qualified for the competition for the first time since the 2002-03 season.
Chelsea reportedly spent €11 million on the loan transaction, in addition to funding Felix’s salaries in excess of €250,000, which could be a stumbling barrier for Newcastle. Despite financial backing from the Saudi Public Investment Fund, Newcastle may be unable to finance a loan move for Felix unless the figures are reduced.
