Atletico Madrid are keeping tabs on Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho, talkSPORT understands.
Garnacho has been restricted to a bit-part role under new boss Ruben Amorim and United would consider cashing in on their academy product to help balance PSR restrictions.
The Argentine was a youth player at Atleti before moving to Old Trafford.
Garnacho, who is contracted until 2028, has seen his game time reduced significantly in recent weeks after being dropped from the squad for the 2-1 derby win at Manchester City last month.
Diego Simeone’s side are currently locked in a closely-contested LaLiga title race, sitting two points behind league leaders Real Madrid with a game in hand.
The winger has amassed just 109 minutes of action over United’s five festive fixtures having been utilised primarily from the bench.
The Portuguese coach is yet to find a way to fit the 20-year-old into his newly implemented 3-4-3 system.
It is a far cry from last season for Garnacho who was a mainstay under previous boss Erik ten Hag after graduating from the club’s academy.
Garnacho started every one of United’s final 38 games of last season as he got to grips with the rigours of Premier League football.
The winger went on to net United’s opener in the FA Cup final victory over City in May.
His appearance from the bench in Sunday’s 2-2 draw at Anfield was the seventh-straight match in which he was not named in the starting line up.
Garnacho has found starts hard to come by due to the form of captain Bruno Fernandes and the emergence of Amad Diallo — United’s derby day hero.
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That has pushed Garnacho down the pecking order, a situation Atleti have paid close attention to.
The Argentine could welcome the opportunity for a fresh start in a familiar environment under Atleti head coach and compatriot Diego Simeone.
The talented wideman will be adverse to hampering his development ahead of the 2026 World Cup where Argentina will be looking to retain the trophy.
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He is also United’s top scorer this season with eight goals in all competitions and recently picked up the FIFA Puskas Award for his stunning effort against Everton last season.
While Garnacho would be considered a miss in the case of a departure, United are desperate for funds to support Amorim’s squad rebuild.
Therefore a switch to the Spanish capital could be a mutually beneficial deal for all parties.
