LaLiga Atletico want him to stay

While Vrsaljko has made up his mind that he wanted to leave Atletico Madrid in the upcoming transfer window, the club has been working on pursuading him to stay at least until the end of the season.

From the president Gil Marin, to teammate Savic and coach Diego Simeone, all have done what they can to try and get him to remain.

His agent Giuseppe Rio broke the news a few weeks ago of Vrsaljko's stance with the player valued highly in Italy after three seasons wit Genoa and Sassuolo.

Vrsaljko has been linked with a move to Napoli and he is not happy at Atletico where he is only a bit part player. The Madrid club have put a figure of 25 million euros on his head if he does insist on going, having paid 16 million over a year ago.

For Simeone it would be a headache to lose Vrsaljko as he would not have a ready replacement for Juanfran at right back and there is no player on the market that could come in.

The club have reinforced to him the idea that gradually he can become an important member of the squad and have used Lucas as an example for him .

On the flight last Monday to London, Simeone and Vrsaljko had a long chat, and last weekend Vrsaljko started against Betis which shows for now he is still part of the group.