Barcelona have a special trick up their sleeves as they look to sign Joao Felix from Atletico Madrid.

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Barca want to sign Felix permanentlyAtleti ready to sell at €70m-€80mBarcelona to reduce price with 'Griezmann tactic'Getty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?

Barcelona are hoping to sign Felix permanently despite the Portuguese player's patchy performances for the Blaugrana this season. Atletico Madrid reportedly want between €70 and €80 million (£60-68m/$75m-86m) for Felix, which is far more than Barcelona can afford. According to Mundo Deportivo, the Catalan side plan to make an offer of €30–40m (£25m-45m/$32m-43m). Should the Rojiblancos reject it, they will try to secure Felix on loan for a second season.

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Atletico Madrid and Barcelona are eager to finalise a deal in order to prevent another summer drama. Fearing that a flurry of goals between now and the conclusion of the season will offer Los Colchoneros a stronger negotiation position and raise interest in the Portuguese, the Blaugrana are prepared to negotiate Felix's move or loan as early as January.

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Barcelona's approach is similar to Atletico's when they re-signed Griezmann. Both parties understand how unlikely it is for Felix to return to the former team, especially in light of his celebrations against Atletico last weekend. Barca will aim to drive the price down, knowing Felix wants to stay and that he will not be particularly welcome back at Atletico.

WHAT NEXT FOR FELIX?

Felix will be in action when Barcelona take on second-placed Girona on Sunday, December 10 as Xavi's side look to close the four-point gap on their local rivals.