Manchester United Transfer News: Latest on Red Devils' Pursuit of Koke

With the January transfer window drawing closer and Manchester United struggling to stay afloat in the Premier League, it has become very clear that manager David Moyes will be looking to bolster his squad this winter, specifically in midfield.

One of Moyes' potential targets is Atletico Madrid midfield star Jorge Resurreccion, better known as Koke.

According to The Mirror's Paul Gorst, Moyes recently traveled to the Spanish capital to scout Koke first hand in Los Rojiblancos' 2-0 win over Porto in the Champions League on Wednesday. 

However, Koke's brief response to Moyes' presence is hardly encouraging for the Red Devils, per Gorst: "I did not know anything about it," Koke told Canal Plus. "Neither does it bother me. I signed a new contract last summer."

It's hard to blame Koke for his nonchalant response. After all, he's playing a key role for a big club in his home town and has earned seven appearances with the Spanish senior national team in 2013. It's been a great year for the up-and-coming star while United are a team sliding in the wrong direction.

Adam Crafton of the of the Daily Mail discussed just that:

"

United may have a difficult time persuading Koke to uproot to Old Trafford in January, with Atletico currently second in La Liga and level on points with Barcelona, while Moyes’ side are 13 points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal and languishing in mid-table.

"

Atletico are currently headed to the Champions League knockout stage after dominating their group as well.

The Spanish playmaker will turn 22 next month and likely won't come cheap given his recent production. Koke has recorded nine assists and scored three goals for Atletico in 22 appearances this season and boasts an average match rating of 7.5, according to WhoScored.com.

Gorst estimates Koke's price tag to be somewhere in the region of £20 million.    

Although United would certainly be willing to pick up the tab given the fact they shelled out £27.5 million on Marouane Fellaini last summer, Koke's lack of interest seems to be the bigger issue at this point in time.

However, it wouldn't be the first time a marquee player has changed his tune. United are the defending English champions and are still among the premier clubs on the planet. Hence, they'll always have a shot at landing top-tier talent come transfer window time.

There's no doubt that Koke would bring a lot to the table at Old Trafford. But for now he appears to be a long shot, seemingly content to showcase his talents in his homeland with an Atletico squad currently in the mix to win multiple trophies this season.   

Follow Bleacher Report Featured Columnist Patrick Clarke on Twitter.