Rumour: Chelsea could swoop for Atletico Madrid midfielder and Manchester United target Koke

Atletico Madrid’s Koke

Manchester United could be dealt another blow in the transfer market after learning that Chelsea could steal a march on them in their pursuit of Atletico Madrid midfielder Koke, according to the Daily Star.

United have been long-term admirers of the Spanish international, being rebuffed in their advances during the January transfer window and were angling to make another move for the player when the transfer window re-opens in the summer.

But it appears they could miss out on yet another target, with Chelsea keen on the player as well and possessing a bargaining chip within their squad.

Atletico are desperate to land Thibaut Courtois from Chelsea on a permanent deal having had the Belgian on loan for the past three years and have made his permanent signature a priority and are willing to give up other stars in the squad to ensure that happens.

Both Koke and Diego Costa are believed to have been offered to Chelsea as part of part-exchange deals to allow Courtois to make Vicente Calderon his permanent home, with a reported £16m plus Koke bid offered to the Blues.

£8 million plus Costa is another deal they have suggested to Jose Mourinho’s side and it remains to be seen which deal the London club would prefer to take as to whether United would be able to make another offer for Koke in the summer.

Koke has a €50m release clause in his contract which United see as too pricey, but hope they can negotiate with Los Rojiblancos if Koke remains an option come the conclusion of their Courtois dealings.

Koke has made nine assists for Atletico Madrid this season, with no player in the Premier League having made more and only Cesc Fabregas in the top five leagues in Europe having made more.