Joao Felix has shot back at transfer claims linking him to a $100million (£87m) move to Newcastle United this summer. The Portuguese star has scored three times for Chelsea since joining the club on loan in January.
His temporary move from Atletico Madrid raised eyebrows in the winter when he was signed for six months for £12m, a fee that was then ridiculed after he was sent off inside one hour of his debut. The 23-year-old has since impressed on occassion for three different coaches but hasn't shown the consistent edge to justify his £111million pricetag.
Felix is expected to head back to Madrid this summer where another decision on his future will be made. Chelsea, who have made a good home for the talented attacker, aren't out of the running with his love of London made clear throughout his time in the capital.
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Ahead of a summer clearout at Stamford Bridge, incoming new manager, and desire to play in the Champions League, Felix will have other suitors sniffing around him. Atletico Madrid's hopes of recouping over £80million for him on a permanent deal have thrown such an eventuality in doubt, though.
Newcastle and Manchester United are just two of the sides linked with making a move for him at the end of the season, with Portuguese outlet Eleven Sport writing on Instagram: "[Translated] Newspaper, Marca, write that only Newcastle are willing to pay the $100m Atletico wants [for Felix]."
Felix himself replied to the post, saying: "[Translated] It's just wise men!"
Felix started Chelsea's last game, a 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest, but was left out of the 3-1 win over Bournemouth in favour of Kai Havertz. He did come off the bench to score the last goal of the afternoon, though.
Since arriving at Stamford Bridge, only Conor Gallagher, Raheem Sterling and Kai Havertz have scored as many goals in the league as he has for the Blues but the return in Europe was underwhelming.
Felix now awaits the announcement of new Chelsea head coach Mauricio Pochettino and some key talks over the summer before his future is finalised.
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