Atletico Madrid are tracking Thiago Almada LaLiga Tipped for great things

Velez Sarsfield attacking midfielder Thiago Almada has caught the eye of Atletico Madrid, with Los Rojiblancos having enquired about the 18-year-old on several occasions.

Almada is one of the most exciting prospects in world football and has already played his first season as a professional, playing 21 times for Velez, scoring four goals and providing two assists. In addition, earlier this summer he was crowned as a runner-up in the South American Under-20 Championship alongside current Atleti centre-back Nehuen Perez, who has recently joined Portuguese side Famalicao on a season-long loan.

Atleti's sporting director, Andrea Berti, travelled out to Argentina back in April to see how Almada was getting on, and in recent days their interest has intensified. Linked to this, the player's refusal to sign a new contract - his current deal ends in June 2021 - has led to lots of speculation over his future, with Velez angry with Almada as they wanted to raise his release clause from 16 million euros to 25 million euros.

Several suitors

It is not just Atleti who are keen on signing Almada, though. Boca Juniors have expressed their interest in the Argentine gem, while Manchester City have reportedly made an informal offer for the playmaker which was deemed insufficient. If City had been able to lure Almada to England, it was speculated that he would have then joined Sporting CP on loan.

Los Rojiblancos will need to be attentive to the situation regarding Almada and must act swiftly in order to get ahead of the competition and secure the youngster's signature.