Manchester United have reportedly been in touch with Villarreal to register their interest in Alex Baena.
The 23-year-old has been in strong form for Villarreal during the 2024-25 campaign, scoring six goals and registering eight assists in 27 La Liga appearances, and there is currently a host of speculation surrounding his future.
Atletico Madrid have long been regarded as the favourites for the Spaniard, and it is understood that Diego Simeone's side are well-placed to complete a deal for the attacker during the summer transfer window.
However, according to journalist Eduardo Burgos, Man United are also contenders, with the 20-time English champions said to have been in touch with Villarreal to register their interest in his services.
Burgos claims that Bayern Munich are also in the picture, with Atletico facing competition for Baena, who came through the youth system at Villarreal before making his first-team debut in 2020.
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Man United 'to battle Atletico' for Baena deal
Baena has scored 25 goals and registered 38 assists in 143 appearances for Villarreal in all competitions, while he has scored twice in nine outings for Spain, including two appearances at Euro 2024.
The attacker has operated off the left for Villarreal this season, and it is understood that he is viewed by Man United head coach Ruben Amorim as a player capable of featuring as a left-sided number 10.
Despite Man United's well-documented financial problems, there will be funds available to improve the squad this summer, and it is believed that three new attackers could potentially arrive at the end of the campaign.
Crystal Palace's Eberechi Eze, Wolverhampton Wanderers' Matheus Cunha and Ipswich Town's Liam Delap are all thought to be targets for the 20-time English champions, but suggestions of interest in Napoli's Victor Osimhen are believed to be wide of the mark.
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How much would Baena cost?
Baena has a €60m (£51m) release clause in his contract, but there have been claims that offers in the region of €45m (£38.5m) would likely be accepted, even if Villarreal secure Champions League football for next season.
At that price, Man United must be in the running, as Baena has shown his class in La Liga this season, and even if he is not considered to be a starter at Old Trafford, he would be a brilliant rotation option for the Red Devils.
Atletico are very much in the driving seat at this stage of proceedings, though, and it will therefore require a strong effort from Man United to divert him away from Wanda Metropolitano.
Matt Law
