Simeone: Brilliant Griezmann would shine for Atletico

As the Spanish champions close in on the signing of the France international, the Rojiblancos coach has praised his would-be new recruit

Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone is confident that summer transfer target Antoine Griezmann would be a brilliant signing.

Goal revealed this week that the France international is close to joining La Liga's champions after the Rojiblancos have seen off competition from Tottenham and Monaco.

Although he praised the 23-year-old, Simeone stressed that negotiations being held with the attacker do not make him an Atletico man yet.

"He’s a brilliant player," Simeone began, speaking to reporters ahead of Atletico’s friendly match against San Jose Earthquakes. "He is very quick and can give us a lot of options in attack.

"However, it’s also true that a lot of other players have been talked about as possibly coming [to Atletico], and we could make two teams out of all of them."

The coach, who took Atletico to the Spanish title last season, also expressed how content he is with his team’s progress during their pre-season so far.

"It has stood us in good stead," he continued. "Above all I am happy with the new boys. I hope I can have the whole group available as soon as possible, but right now that’s not possible.

"I’m satisfied with our work over these three weeks."