Pranav Nair
Atletico Madrid wary of Manchester United interest in Marcos Llorente
According to Spanish publication AS (h/t Sport Witness), Atletico Madrid is wary of the interest Manchester United have shown towards midfielder Marcos Llorente.
United were linked with a move for the Spanish ace earlier in the season. The Red Devils were touted to have made an offer of €80m for the player without success.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side has not given up and are still in the fray for the 26-year-old. They however face competition from Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain.
Atletico for their part is in no mood to sell. They are in fact keen to extend the Spaniard’s stay at the Wanda Metropolitano.
A popular figure among supporters, news of United’s interest was met with severe backlash from the Atletico fans. They were fearful that the club might sell off one of their top players.
They however appear to have little to fear. Neither the player nor the club is keen for a parting of the ways. Atletico meanwhile is also ready to improve the player’s salary.
Atletico CEO Miguel Angel Gil is personally handling the negotiations and has already met the player’s agent several times in recent weeks. It would appear that an annoucnement is imminent.
Llorente’s previous contract ran until 2024, giving Atletico a massive advantage if it came to transfer offers. However, by offering him improved terms it would appear they truly do value what the Spaniard brings to the team.
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With Paul Pogba’s future unresolved and Nemanja Matic not getting younger, United need a fresh infusion of blood in the midfield. Llorente at 26 would be a player in his prime who could have done just that. It would now appear that we must focus our attentions elsewhere.
