Atletico Madrid Manchester United already in talks

Atletico Madrid are keeping a close eye on Sporting Lisbon player Joao Mario and will be ready to make a bid, should the player's expected transfer to Manchester United fall through.

Los Rojiblancos have already started to prepare for the coming season and are exploring options in the transfer market. A name that has sparked interested at the Madrid club is the Portuguese Joao Mario.

Signing the player won't be easy for the Madrid club, as he has a contract until 2020 and a buy-out clause of up to 60 million Euros.

As well as that, Mario has also caught the attention of many European clubs, with Manchester United showing the most interest. According to both British and Portuguese media, the Red Devils are close to finalising a deal and are ready to pay up to 57 million Euros.

Atleti are, at the moment, waiting patiently in the background. They are ready to start negotiations should United not complete the deal.

The 23-year-old midfielder has been a revelation in the Portuguese league this season, and would be a great addition to Diego Simeone's side. He has seven goals and 12 assists to his name for Sporting this season.