Atletico Madrid have been linked with a potential January move for Real Valladolid’s Patrick Ebert, depending upon Adrian Lopez’ situation.
Ebert has caught the eye this season with his performances for Miroslav Djukic’s side, since signing for the newly-promoted outfit in the summer on a free transfer.
Released by Hertha Berlin at the end of 2011-12, it is believed that the 25-year-old is now a potential target for Atletico, should they lose Adrian this transfer window.
Adrian has been in talks over a new deal since the summer, despite still having a further two-and-a-half years to run on his current contract.
However, his reluctance to so far discuss signing on, paired with the club’s reported concern at his drop in form, has led them to consider moving Adrian on, if he does not renew in the coming weeks.
Subsequently, any departure would see the club reportedly then turn to Ebert, who has been watched by sporting director Jose Luis Perez Caminero more than once already this season.
Ebert, who has provided five goals and five assists for Valladolid so far this term, has a buyout clause of €8m. His Castilian employers are believed reluctant to settle for any less, as they will receive only 65 per cent of any transfer fee, with the rest going to the player himself.
