As the winter transfer window approaches, the rumour factory is churning out the goodies seemingly by the hour.
The latest reports in the Spanish press suggest that young Rayo Vallecano starlet Leo Baptistão is on the verge of signing with Atlético, though the Brazilian would be expected to finish out the season with our Vallecas-based neighbours before joining us in the summer AS reports.
The versatile attacker has been crucial for Rayo this season and despite being somewhat comfortably clear of the bottom three spots in the table, his side is hoping he can continue to help them stave off relegation.
The 20-year-old’s release clause is €8 million, but Atleti hope to offer a couple of players in exchange in order to reduce that fee and acquire the gifted youngster. Jorge Pulido, who spent half a season on loan at Rayo in the last campaign is the likeliest of candidates to head back to Vallecas, possibly with a buy-back option, while Domingo Cisma, who can play as a fullback or central defender, could be included in a deal as well.
According to Marca, Sílvio is expected to leave on loan in January, with his likeliest destination being Portugal. Benfica are said to be very interested.
It’s no secret that the Portuguese fullback isn’t one of Atleti boss Diego Simeone’s favourite players, but Rojiblanco officials still feel the 25-year-old has something to offer the club in the future.
Atleti front office staff do not doubt the footballer’s quality, rather, they believe the issue has to do with getting him back to peak form after a series of injuries last season prevented him from doing so. They feel their best bet is to have Sílvio try his luck elsewhere so that he can find continuous playing time.
In other news, AS reported earlier this week that the club are very close to announcing the contract extensions of Simeone, Miranda and Adrián.
The priority at the moment is to retain ‘El Cholo’s’ services for another year, and a deal should be announced before the end of the year.