Chelsea have a "tentative interest" in signing Atletico Madrid attacker Joao Felix with the new ownership continuing to scout him, journalist Simon Phillips has told GIVEMESPORT.

The £114m Atletico Madrid forward arrived at the Metropolitano Stadium in 2019 but is now linked with a move away from the Spanish capital.

What’s the latest news involving Joao Felix?

Involved in all but one of Portugal's five games at the 2022 World Cup, Felix's performances in Qatar reminded the footballing world of his capabilities.

Previously at Atletico, the 23-year-old's career had somewhat stuttered with Felix finding minutes hard to come by.

A creative forward-thinking player, Felix's playing style has often contravened the resilient approach adopted by Diego Simeone and the pair's relationship appears to have broken down.

Felix has started just five of Atletico's 14 La Liga matches this term, while notching up less than 100 minutes during the Colchoneros' last seven league outings, as per Transfermarkt.

Of course, Atletico's poor showings transferred over to the Champions League too, where Simeone's side finished rock-bottom of a group including Porto, Bayer Leverkusen and Club Brugge.

It has culminated in the Portuguese star exploring his options and a move to the Premier League could be on the cards.

What has Phillips said about Felix?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Phillips revealed Chelsea have maintained an interest in the forward, despite the recent change of ownership.

"From my sources, I was always told that he was a target under the previous ownership.

"The new ownership has continued scouting Felix, but that's as far as it is at the moment," Phillips told GMS.

However, when asked how likely the Blues were to target Felix in the January window Phillips wasn't confident a deal would be done.

"It was described as a tentative interest in Felix from Chelsea when I asked my sources."

How busy will Chelsea be in the January transfer window?

As is usually the case at this time of year, the rumour mill is swirling at Stamford Bridge, with various reports of players Chelsea are targeting.

However, a recent injury to striker Armando Broja means he is out for the rest of the campaign and it could spark the Blues into action next month.

Christopher Nkunku is a name that has been linked with a switch to Stamford Bridge for some time, with Chelsea said to be eyeing a summer move for the RB Leipzig forward.

A reported release clause in his contract - which becomes active at the end of the season - is said to make the French international available for considerably less than the £100 million price Chelsea were quoted for in the summer.

According to reports, Chelsea are currently exploring the option of bringing that transfer forwards to January, in order to plug the gap left behind by Broja.