With Joao Felix remaining out of favour at Atletico Madrid, speculation over a January move away from the Spanish champions has been gathering pace.
The Portugal forward moved to Spain from Benfica in 2019 for a massive £113m fee, but has been linked with a Premier League switch after struggling for game time under manager Diego Simeone this term.
His last start in La Liga came back in October, while his only goal of the 2021-22 season came in the same month.
Joao Felix's involvement this season has been reduced in part due to the return of Antoine Griezmann - the man he was signed to replace - from Barcelona. Griezmann joined on an initial loan move in August, and has started seven games for Atleti in all competitions since the Portuguese forward's last inclusion in a starting XI.
The youngster's lack of minutes has subsequently prompted increased talk of an exit.
Yet due to his talent, both Manchester United and Manchester City are reportedly among the clubs interested in the 22-year-old despite his recent difficulties.
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However, the English clubs have been handed a fresh warning, with Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo issuing an update on the future of the title-winner.
The youngster's lack of minutes have prompted increased talk of an exit, but Cerezo has played down the prospect of an early departure.
“Joao Felix is a magnificent player and I don’t think he wants to leave. He has a very long contract with Atletico de Madrid,” Cerezo told Cadena Ser. “For us he’s non-transferable.
"We believe in him, just like we believed in Sergio Aguero when we signed him at the same age and he had five or six more great seasons with us.”
Joao Felix scored seven league goals for Atletico last season as Simeone's side beat Real Madrid to the title by two points, with only two teammates scoring more.
However, his only goal this term came in a 3-0 victory over Real Betis, and he was only given 45 minutes from the bench as Atleti lost 2-0 to their city rivals over the weekend.
Atleti teammate Luis Suarez has been among those to praise Joao Felix, particularly for his dribbling ability.
"He has a dribble that is enviable, because of the ease he has," the Uruguayan said in October. "Obviously he has things to improve, such as the arrival on goal, so that he feels more comfortable and in better shape.
"I am convinced that this will be Joao's year. He has an admirable shot for his age."
The former Benfica man had previously been linked with Liverpool, who continue to face confusion over the involvement of their forwards at the Africa Cup of Nations, as well as the two Manchester clubs.
However, for now at least, it looks as though Joao Felix will remain an Atletico Madrid player as the club aim to get the most out of their hefty investment.
