Koke
Koke [Reuters] Reuters

Manchester United are preparing a bid in signing Koke from Atletico Madrid in January, according to the Daily Mirror.

The report claims that the Premier League champions will lodge a bid of £30m for the 21-year-old, when the mid-season transfer window commences. David Moyes was in attendance again last week to watch the Atletico playmaker.

Having scouted potential transfer targets over the past couple of months, Moyes does not want to waste time in pursuing the shortlisted players. It is believed that Moyes does not want to delay in bringing players into his squad having missed out on major targets like Cesc Fabregas, Ander Herrera in the summer.

The former Everton manager will be hoping to avoid the mistakes of the summer and bring in significant signings that can boost their chances of retaining the Premier League trophy.

United are without Marouane Fellaini who is ruled out after undergoing a surgery to his wrist. Moyes is looking to sign a playmaker who will not only score goals but also create them and sees the Spanish international as a perfect signing.

Koke has scored three goals while contributing eight assists and has featured in all the 17 matches in the league this season. His side are going toe-to-toe with Barcelona in the Spanish league and are level on top with 46 points.

Moyes had made a trip to Spain when Atletico faced FC Porto in the Champions League. The reports stated that the Scotsman was present to watch the midfielder in action while also keeping an eye on Porto's Eliaquim Mangala to bolster his defence.

Koke was also being monitored by Liverpool before the season began, but his agent refuted the claims stating that the midfielder will not leave the club in January or next summer. The 21-year-old signed a new contract which ties him to the Spanish side till 2018.

Koke came through Atletico's ranks and his performances for the Copa Del Rey winners have earned him a lot of plaudits. He was even rewarded with a call-up to the Spain senior squad in August and since then has earned seven caps for his nation. The midfielder also played an important part in Spain U21's victory in the U21 Euros in the summer.