Atletico Madrid hope James can follow Trippier as the icing on the cake Atletico Madrid Still working hard in the transfer market

Just a couple of months ago, Atletico Madrid were preparing for life without Antoine Griezmann, Lucas Hernandez, Rodrigo Hernandez, Juanfran, Filipe Luis and Diego Godin and it was not a time of optimism.

Now, though, they've been able to put together a squad that, on paper at least, looks competitive and exciting.

The most recent arrival was Kieran Trippier to strengthen the right-back position and Mario Hermoso will soon follow, so now the club hope that James Rodriguez can be the cherry on top to complete a busy summer.

Even if they cannot bring the Colombian to the Estadio Wanda Metropolitano, Los Rojiblancos would look to bring in a similar kind of player to complete a squad of 21 players.

As much as the playmaker would like to join, there would have to be an agreement with Real Madrid and that won't be easy.

So there is caution at the club offices right now, with the directors determined not to get carried away, but they will try their best to secure the Colombian's signature.

Already they have been able to convince several players, agents and clubs this summer, with Miguel Angel Gil Marin operating as the manager, with Andrea Berta discovering potential targets and with Diego Simeone trying to convince the players.

Now there is one final mission for this transfer market team to pull off.