Old Trafford side to launch move for Atletico Madrid youngster.
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Man United are set to make a £16m bid for Atletico Madrid youngster Koke, an offer that will trigger the Atletico Madrid midfielder’s release clause according to the Daily Star.
The impressive 21 year old has been dubbed the ‘New Xavi’ after some solid displays for his Vicente Calderon side and now David Moyes hopes to lure the Spanish international to Old Trafford though such an attempt may prove very tough given Atletico Madrid’s resurgence over the past 18 months.
Barcelona are also interested in Koke and that could well provide another obstacle to Moyes as he seeks to freshen up his rather brittle midfield.
Koke only recently signed a new long term deal with Atletico Madrid, which runs until 2018, but he does have a release clause that is well within Man United’s budget so an offer is likely.
Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone will fight tooth and nail to keep Koke who has been instrumental in the club’s rise to prominence. Koke has made 118 appearances for Los Rojiblancos, helping the club to a Europa League triumph in 2011/12, a Copa del Rey success last term as well as securing a coveted Champions League berth for the current campaign.
Atletico Madrid sit in second spot in La Liga after clinching eight wins from eight fixtures and as such one would imagine Koke is in no rush to leave his hometown club.
Moyes signed Marouane Fellaini over the summer but may well feel the need to bring in further options in the midfield area, not least as Anderson continues to flatter to deceive and Darren Fletcher is still recovering from illness.