Bayern Munich have reportedly dropped their interest in Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix.
The Portugal international's future is currently the subject of much speculation, with the player believed to be determined to secure a move away from Wanda Metropolitano during the January market.
Bayern have been heavily linked with the 23-year-old, and according to Sport1, the Bundesliga giants were recently in contact with Atletico to discuss a move.
However, journalist Karry Hau claims that a deal between the two clubs is no longer a possibility.
"Bayern are no longer interested in Joao Felix, contrary to recent reports in Spain. The Portuguese striker was an option for Bayern last summer. Hasan Salihamidzic was in contact with Atletico, but was turned down by the Spanish club. Felix is no longer an issue at Bayern," said Hau.
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Manchester United have also been mentioned as suitors for the attacker, and Bayern's alleged decision to pull out of the race could help the Red Devils in their pursuit.
Felix has been in impressive form for Portugal at the 2022 World Cup, scoring once and providing two assists to help Fernando Santos's reach the quarter-finals of the competition.
The forward has struggled for Atletico this term, though, only managing four goals and three assists in 18 appearances in all competitions, and it is believed that his relationship with head coach Diego Simeone has broken down.
Felix has a deal with the Red and Whites until June 2026, but the club's CEO Gil Marin has hinted that the Portuguese could leave during the January market.
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"[Joao Felix] is the biggest bet this club has taken in its history. I personally think he's a top talent, a world-class player," Marin told TVE.
"For reasons it isn't worth getting into - the relationship between him and the boss [Diego Simeone], the minutes played, his motivation right now - it makes you think that the reasonable thing is that if there's an option that's good for the player, good for the club, we can look at it.
"I'd love him to stay personally, but I don't think that's the player's idea."
After starring in Portugal's win over Switzerland in the last-16 stage of the World Cup, Felix appeared to take a swipe at his club by claiming that "the conditions are favourable" for him to perform for his country.
"The way you play here and at the club are different. When the conditions are favourable, things go better," he told reporters after coming up with two assists in the last-16 clash.
Man United are expected to sign a new forward in January following Cristiano Ronaldo's recent departure, although Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain have also been credited with an interest in Felix.
Matt Law
