23-year-old who has been offered to Newcastle sent to train with youth team

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Newcastle United were given the chance to sign Joao Felix earlier this summer, and he probably wishes the Magpies had taken the opportunity.

The 23-year-old spent the second half of last season on loan at Chelsea, who have decided that they will not be signing him permanently.

But with Atletico Madrid still looking to get rid of Felix, his services were offered to Eddie Howe’s side. At the time, it was reported that his wages of more than £200,000-a-week would likely be a problem for Newcastle, and since then a move has not been forthcoming.

That means that Felix is still with Atletico Madrid, where Diego Simeone has started pre-season training ahead of the new campaign. But it appears to be clear that the Portugal international is not in his plans.

Joao Felix having a pre-season to forget so far

It has been reported in Spain that both Felix and Renan Lodi, who was on loan at Nottingham Forest last season, trained away from the first-team during parts of Simeone’s session on Monday.

The Argentinian boss split his senior squad into two teams for an 11 vs 11 tactical drill, but Felix was not used. Instead, he and Lodi trained with the club’s academy players.

He is not wanted or needed at Atleti, which is sad to see. He is a brilliant player with so much potential, but his big move to the Spanish capital has just not gone to plan.

Now he is struggling to get a move away. Chelsea didn’t want him back, while his ludicrous wages mean that he is not a realistic option for Newcastle.

There are currently rumours about him joining PSG, which are not surprising. Maybe that is where he can salvage his career.

If it wasn’t for the money, he would be great at St James’ Park. He already has a friend on Tyneside in Kieran Trippier, who thinks that Felix is ‘unbelievable‘. While that might be the case, his wages mean Newcastle simply cannot accept the offer to sign him, so he will have to go elsewhere.

And after what has happened during pre-season with Atletico, it is clear that a move is absolutely essential.