Atletico star Koke wanted by Barcelona and Manchester United

‘Koke’ in action during the UEFA Champions League Group G match between Club Atletico de Madrid and FC Zenit at Vicente Calderon Stadium on September 18, 2013 in Madrid, Spain. (Getty Images)

Manchester United and Barcelona are in a battle to land the signature of highly-rated Atletico Madrid midfielder, Koke, in the January transfer window, claims UK radio station Talksport.

The Spanish star, 21, has been a significant factor behind the excellent start Los Rojiblancos have made in their domestic campaign this season, winning their first eight games in succession. His performances in a red and white shirt haven’t gone unnoticed however with both clubs willing to pay top price to land the youngster in January.

United especially, after failing to capture much sought after midfielder Cesc Fabregas in the summer transfer window will be in hot pursuit of the Atletico academy product with David Moyes’ central midfield options appearing alarmingly thin on the ground.

Barcelona too will be looking for a midfield star of the Xavi mould to takeover from the great man himself once he eventually does decide to hang up his boots and retire.

Whether either side can pry Koke away from the Vicente Caledron is another question altogether, with the Under 21 European Championship winner signing a new deal with Atletico that will keep him at the club until 2016.