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Report: Manchester United to trigger Koke clause

By Joe Fish, Reporter | 16 October 2013

Manchester United are reportedly willing to activate the £16m release clause of creative Atletico Madrid midfielder, and apparent Barcelona target, Koke.

Manchester United are apparently prepared to activate the £16m release clause of Atletico Madrid midfielder Koke, who is also a target of Barcelona.

Red Devils boss David Moyes is still desperate to add some creativity in the centre of the park, and the 21-year-old has been on United's radar since Sir Alex Ferguson's time as manager.

According to the Daily Star, the retired Scot had spotted Koke as a top talent during Atletico's successful Copa del Rey campaign last term, and Moyes has been equally impressed with the Spanish international's contribution to his side's 100% start to the La Liga season.

His contract at Vicente Calderon runs until 2018, but both United and Barca, who have reportedly identified Koke as a long-term replacement for 33-year-old Xavi, are aware of a clause in his contract that would allow him to leave for far less than what Madrid now value him at.

The Premier League champions failed in summer attempts to sign creative players such as Cesc Fabregas and Ander Herrera, with £27m-arrival Marouane Fellaini their only major signing of the transfer window.