By Chris O'Brien
July 22 2004

Diego Forlan has been linked with a move to Spain to play for La Liga outfit Atletico Madrid. The forward is unsettled at Old Trafford and Sir Alex Ferguson is thought to be looking to offload the underachieving Uruguayan before the start of the season.

Atletico Madrid are believed to be showing interest in out-of-favour Manchester United's Diego Forlan. Sir Alex Ferguson is thought to be have been looking to offload the striker for some time, and the Spanish outfit are said to be interested in either a loan or permanent move for the Uruguayan.

Fans hoped for a lot from Forlan when he arrived in Lancashire following a £8million move from Independiente. However, the flamboyant striker has not even come close to justifying the audacious price United splashed out on him and it is now thought the club would be willing to count their losses and offload the flop for a minimal fee.

The addition of Alan Smith to the squad means life will become even harder for Forlan to play first-team football at Old Trafford next term, and the player is seemingly desperate for a move away to avoid another season on the sidelines whether it be on loan or on a full-time basis.

Atletico Madrid are thought to be set to take advantage of United's lowly price tag of Forlan by making a cut price bid, although it is also thought they could take the 25-year-old on loan for a season. Of course Atletico boast rumoured United target Fernando Torres in their squad, and there is also the possibility that Sir Alex Ferguson could use Forlan as a carrot in any possible bid for the highly-rated Spaniard.

Meanwhile, Aston Villa boss David O'Leary is still thought to be eyeing up a loan move for Diego Forlan which could see the South American help the Villains quest for European football for the entirety of the 2004/2005 season.