Atletico Madrid have reportedly stolen a march on Manchester United in the race to sign AC Milan's Hakan Calhanoglu.
The 26-year-old has starred for the in-form Milan during the early stages of the 2020-21 campaign, notching up four goals and four assists in all competitions.
However, Calhanoglu is out of contract at San Siro next summer and has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford, while Arsenal have also been credited with an interest.
The Red Devils may be set to face even stiffer competition for Calhanoglu's signature now, though, as Mundo Deportivo reports that Atletico are now the favourites to sign the Turkey international.
The report claims that Milan are attempting to negotiate fresh terms with the midfielder, with an annual salary of €3.5m (£3.1m) on the table, but Calhanoglu is holding out for a wage of €7m (£6.2m).
As a result, Milan are supposedly open to selling Calhanoglu in January in order to avoid losing him for free next summer, with Inter Milan and Juventus also said to be keeping a close eye on developments.
Ben Knapton
