Atletico Madrid are planning to overhaul their defence over the next two transfer windows, according to Mundo Deportivo.
The Spanish giants are looking to sell a couple of defenders to make way for new incomings and have identified Felipe and Mario Hermoso as the players who could make way.
Felipe has barely featured for the Colchoneros this term despite being a mainstay in Diego Simeone’s backline over the last couple of seasons.
The 33-year-old has seen his performances hampered by injuries, which has cost him a place in Simeone’s first team set-up.
The Brazilian defender has only made three appearances for Atletico, and a move away is on the cards. Wolverhampton Wanderers are reportedly interested in taking him to the Premier League.
Hermoso has also been restricted to just seven appearances across all competitions, where he has contributed two goals.
However, despite the Spaniard being comfortable in Madrid, his contract with Atletico expires in 2024, and the club may look to cash in this winter.
Several La Liga clubs, including Sevilla, Real Sociedad and Espanyol, are monitoring the defender’s situation.
Atletico are combing the market in search of long-term replacements. However, the club’s economic situation means they are only targeting players whose contracts will expire next summer.
They can snap them up either on a free transfer next summer or for a cut-price fee in January, leading the club to set their gaze on Leicester City defender Caglar Soyuncu who fits that profile.
Reports suggest Atletico have been tracking the defender since his time in the Bundesliga and have already met with the player’s representatives over a move.
Atlético are interested in Athletic Bilbao’s Inigo Martínez, but they will face tough competition from Barcelona, who are also tracking the 31-year-old centre-back.
Inter Milan’s Stefan de Vrij is also on Atletico’s shortlist, and they are monitoring the Dutchman’s situation as he is yet to put pen to paper on a new deal at the San Siro.