Joao Felix 'could move to Saudi Arabia' if his transfer to Barca does not happen

Joao Felix could move to Saudi Arabia after reaching an 'agreement' if his desired transfer to Barcelona does not materialise, reports suggest.

The Atletico Madrid midfielder has been hankering for a move for the past year after falling out with manager Diego Simeone left their relationship 'irreparable' and he spent the latter half of last season on loan at Chelsea.

Spain's transfer window closes on September 1 but Saudi Arabian clubs can bring in signings until September 20.

He has an agreement with Al-Hilal to join them on loan if the Barca switch does not go ahead, report AS - although Atletico want a transfer.

Felix said he would 'love to join Barcelona' and his Premier League options are limited after an underwhelming Chelsea spell, but Barcelona's financial struggles make any big moves difficult.

His agent, Jorge Mendes, has cards to play with the Catalan club, as reported by Mail Sport's Pete Jenson. Mendes is close to the club's new Director of Football Deco and is the agent of Joao Cancelo who Xavi is desperate to see sign before deadline day.

Mendes also represents Ansu Fati who Barcelona are trying to sell to give them money to spend in what is left of the market.

There is little interest out there in Fati, who does not want to leave. An ideal scenario for Mendes would be for Barcelona to sell him so that Barca could get Cancelo and Felix in - albeit probably both on loans with obligatory buy options.

The dream ending to the window for Mendes is that Fati is sold and Barcelona get Cancelo and Felix in - probably both on loans with an obligatory buy option in the case of the Manchester City full-back.

Currently, the only offer on the table for Felix in England is from Aston Villa.

In any case, Felix is desperate to leave Atletico and the club do not want him.

Earlier in the summer, he was spotted training with Atletico Madrid's academy.