Newcastle threaten to hijack Joao Felix’s permanent transfer to Chelsea despite Boehly wanting to keep him
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NEWCASTLE are reportedly threatening to hijack Chelsea’s permanent transfer for loan star Joao Felix.
The Portugal forward, 23, moved to Stamford Bridge temporarily from Atletico Madrid in January.
Felix has since scored twice in 15 outings under three different managers.
And Chelsea owner Todd Boehly is hoping to make his move permanent in the summer.
A second loan is also on the cards, with Chelsea reluctant to meet Atletico’s £89million price tag.
But Cadena Ser, via , claims Felix could end up joining a Premier League rival instead.
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Newcastle have reportedly thrown their hat in the ring as they close in on a Champions League finish.
The Magpies have gone from strength to strength under Eddie Howe.
And they are hoping to pip Tottenham to fourth after conceding the fewest amount of goals in the league this season.
Felix remains keen on featuring in Europe’s elite competition, with Chelsea not even close to a Conference League spot.
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And Newcastle could be prepared to splash the cash on a marquee luxury player to transform their efforts in the final third.
They aren’t the only English side to express an interest in Felix, with Manchester United also monitoring his progress.
Atletico extended the playmaker’s deal until 2027 before he joined Chelsea.
But Diego Simeone does not want Felix back and club chiefs hope to offload him permanently this summer.
Felix cost Atletico a club-record £113million when he joined in 2019 from Benfica.
He has 34 goals in 131 games and helped them win LaLiga in 2021.
Atletico are concerned that Felix’s below-par performances at Chelsea will scupper his chances of a permanent move to the Bridge.
And Newcastle could find an offer between £62m and £70m ends up doing the trick.