Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo has confirmed that new Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino does not want to keep Joao Felix at Stamford Bridge.

There is no purchase clause in the Portuguese international’s loan deal but the player had expressed an interest in remaining with the club. However, Cerezo says the forward will now return to Spain next month:

“We have been informed that Poch does not count on Joao Felix for Chelsea. He will return here [to Atletico], we’ll see [what happens with his future], we’ve nothing planned.”

Felix’s style of play is unlikely to have been a great fit for Mauricio Pochettino’s high-energy, high-pressing tactical setup, so the striker’s departure did seem pretty likely anyway.

Considering that the 23-year-old would have cost close to €100m (£87m), it is not a surprise that the club decided against signing him on a permanent deal, especially as Pochettino is not a fan.

Felix could still end up at a Premier League team next season

Reports in the Spanish media have indicated that Felix would be open to moving to another English club if the opportunity presents itself.

The forward is said to be hoping to play in the Champions League, which could suggest that the likes of Newcastle, Manchester United or Arsenal would be his preferred destinations.