Milan will have some competition in their reported pursuit of midfielder Nemanja Matic.

Atletico Madrid have joined the race to sign the Manchester United outcast and will make an offer for him when the winter transfer window opens in January, according to ESPN FC's Mark Ogden.

The Serbian international remains a target for Milan despite United's rejection of their offer to sign him last summer. But the Italian side could have more difficulty securing the 31-year-old's signature in January now that Atletico have emerged as contenders for his services.

Matic, whose contract with the Red Devils will expire next summer, could ultimately choose Atletico over Milan based on the opportunity to play Champions League football this season. He would fulfill the Spanish side's need for reinforcements in the midfield, and he's eligible to play in the Champions League should Atletico sign him because he hasn't featured in United's Europa League campaign.

Joining United from Chelsea in a transfer worth £40 million in 2017, Matic featured prominently under former manager Jose Mourinho but has since fallen down Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's pecking order. He's been limited to just five appearances in all competitions this season.