Atletico Madrid youngster attracting strong interest.
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Manchester United and Barcelona look set to compete for the signing of highly-rated Atletico Madrid midfielder Koke this January, according to talkSPORT.
The 21-year-old is widely regarded as one of the best young players in La Liga at the moment and has started this season in terrific form with 2 goals and 6 assists in just 8 appearances already for Diego Simeone’s side, helping them to eight wins out of eight to take them level with reigning champions Barcelona at the top of the table.
United have been keen to bring in a new midfield playmaker for some time, and targeted the likes of Cesc Fabregas and Thiago Alcantara during the summer following the retirement of influential midfield maestro Paul Scholes.
Koke looks another player who could play that role for the Red Devils, though Barcelona may be favourites to bring the rising star to the Nou Camp this January, as it is thought that there could be an agreement in place with Atletico following David Villa’s sale to the Madrid club in the summer.
With Xavi heading into the twilight of his career, Barcelona will be keen to bring in a young replacement for the skillful midfield veteran at some point, and see Koke as the ideal long-term successor to the Spaniard.