Theo Hernández is edging closer to a sensational return to the Spanish capital, having agreed personal terms with Atlético Madrid. The AC Milan defender and the La Liga side have reached a verbal agreement on a long-term deal, but a final transfer hinges on the clubs settling on a fee.

That fee, however, could prove to be the major stumbling block. Last week, Milan accepted a €35 million offer from Saudi giants Al Hilal — a move that would have made Hernández one of the highest-paid defenders in the world.

The 26-year-old rejected the offer, despite a proposed salary of €18 million per year, citing his desire to continue playing at the highest level in European football.

In a twist of irony, it was Real Madrid — Hernández’s former club — who were also reportedly monitoring the Frenchman in May. But it now appears that Atlético Madrid are in pole position to secure his signature, setting up a return to the red-and-white side of Madrid for the first time since his youth career.