Joao Felix could be given an extra break by Atletico Madrid to resolve his future.
The Portugal international was due to return to preseason training tomorrow following an extended off season following Euro 2024 duty.
However, his future still appears to lie away from Madrid, with former side Benfica working on an ambitious deal to resign him for the 2024/25 campaign.
Benfica will not pay anywhere close to Atletico Madrid’s €80m asking price with Los Rojiblancos likely to accept a major loss on the 24-year-old.
Premier League side Aston Villa are also in talks with Felix over a possible move to England ahead of their first ever UEFA Champions League campaign.
Villa are confident of putting forward a stronger package than Benfica and reports from Marca claim he will be granted extra time to complete an exit.
Atletico Madrid kick off their preseason campaign against Numancia on July 27 before flying out to Hong Kong next month.
