The seemingly never-ending tragedy of Manchester United’s pursuit of centre-back may yet have another chapter with the latest reports from Spain as we kick off into the January transfer window.
The Daily Mail suggests that - incredibly - four players are preparing to leave Atletico Madrid, with long-term stalwart Diego Godin one of the most high-profile names on the list.
Godin, as you may well remember, helped ignite transfer deadline day in the summer after the Red Devils came out of the blue to submit a bid for Los Rojiblancos skipper, and whilst the deal didn’t come into fruition with the Uruguayan pledging his allegiance to the club he has been at since 2010, it did bring attention to Man Utd’s interest in the defender.
The 32-year-old still has just six months remaining on his current contract, meaning he could exit the club at the end of the season. Even more importantly for Manchester United and other interested parties, the centre-back is now able to talk to other clubs after ‘not seeing eye-to-eye’ with Atletico (Marca) about an extension.
His three other teammates reportedly about to jump ship are defender duo Juanfran and Filipe Luis (the latter formerly of Chelsea), and World Cup hero Lucas Hernandez.
The 22-year-old Hernandez could also emerge as a target for Manchester United, his age far more attractive, alongside his versatility to play either left-back of centre-half.
The Frenchman however has reportedly peaked the interest of Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich.
Atletico Madrid next take on Sevilla as they look to take another step towards trying to win their first league title since the 2013/14 season.
The Spanish capital club sit just three points behind table-toppers Barcelona.
