Chelsea do hold a “tentative interest” in signing Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix, according to journalist Simon Phillips.

The Portuguese international is expected to be made available for around €100m (£87m) when the January transfer window opens but, while the Blues are keeping tabs on the player, Phillips emphasised that the London club haven’t decided on whether to make a move for him:

“From my sources, I was always told that he was a target under the previous ownership. The new ownership has continued scouting Felix, but that’s as far as it is at the moment… It was described as a tentative interest in Felix from Chelsea when I asked my sources.”

It is believed that Felix has been offered to a number of different teams, with Manchester United, Arsenal and even Aston Villa having also been linked with the 23-year-old.

In terms of whether Chelsea will firm up their interest, a lot will depend on what sort of forward manager Graham Potter wants to sign. The serious knee injury sustained by Armando Broja means strengthening the club’s options up front is a priority, but they could be looking to pursue someone who can lead the line, rather than a support striker like Felix.