MADRID (AFP) - Atletico Madrid winger Yannick Carrasco is negotiating an exit to China, the president of the Spanish LaLiga club, Enrique Cerezo, said on Thursday morning (Feb 22).

Spanish media reported that the 24-year old Belgian, who has appeared in 17 league games this season but only eight starts, was aiming to move to Chinese Super League side Dalian Yifang for €30 million (S$48.8 million). British media have also reported that Dalian are closing in on West Ham centre-back Jose Fonte for around £5 million (S$9.2 million)

Cerezo responded to the story when he met reporters over breakfast.

"It seems he is negotiating,"Cerezo said. "But I've only just got back from Mexico and it is impossible for me to say anything for sure because I don't know anything."

Atletico bought Carrasco from Monaco in the summer of 2015 for an estimated €15 million and the French Ligue 1 club is reportedly entitled to 25 per cent of any fee if the player is sold on.

Spanish sports daily Marca said the player's agent was negotiating with Atletico's consent and "the idea is that the deal will be closed this week".

Carrasco has played 124 times for Atletico scoring 23 goals and been credited with 17 assists.