Both Madrid giants and a host of Premier League clubs including are monitoring the situation with Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo.
Daily Mail Sport understands that Real Madrid and Atletico are keeping tabs on the England international, who is struggling for game time under Ruben Amorim.
Sources have disclosed that a season-long loan move could be of interest to those in the Spanish capital, with the transfer window due to close on Monday.
Mainoo, who has risen through the ranks at Old Trafford, has not played a minute of United’s two Premier League matches this season.
The 20-year-old was shifted from first choice to substitute when he returned from injury in December.
While the player is open to remaining at United, he wants first team football and is also open to a move that would promise Champions League action.
Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid are both monitoring Man United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo
Mainoo has been an unused substitute in each of United’s first two games of the new season
United manager Ruben Amorim does not view Mainoo as a great fit for his 3-4-3 formation
United director Jason Wilcox (left) and CEO Omar Berrada (right) could be very busy this week
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However, it is thought unlikely that United would sanction a loan switch for a player who they are not actively seeking to sell.
The club currently only have four central midfielders and anything other than a permanent move for Mainoo is not desirable.
Given the season is only two matches old, the player may well have a key part to play at Old Trafford, despite his early absence from the line-up.
Mainoo’s apparent fall from grace comes a year after he started in England’s Euro 2024 final defeat by Spain.
He also scored for United in their shock FA Cup final victory over Manchester City last year.
However, he is not thought to fit Amorim’s 3-4-3 system and his absence from the first XI appears to have brought things to a tipping point.
The issue has been exacerbated by the lack of progress in talks over a new contract – with United due to make a call in the next 48 hours, as Daily Mail Sport revealed earlier this week.