Álvaro Negredo has emerged as Atlético de Madrid's number-one target to replace Diego Costa, who is set to join Chelsea. The 'Rojiblancos' have already firmed up their interest in the Man City striker by submitting a €15 million bid.

However, City have dismissed this initial approach out of hand, claiming that they have no interest in getting rid of the Spaniard and that they will not listen to any offers under €30 million.

The higher-ups at the Calderón, however, believe that the English outfit's demands are unreasonable, given the striker's age (he turns 29 on 20th August) and the fact that he was barely used by Sky Blues coach Manuel Pellegrini in the last few months of the season. By all accounts, the negotiations could drag on for several weeks.

No love lost with Pellegrini

Atlético's head honchos are well aware of the fractious relationship between Negredo and the Chilean coach and that the striker has fallen out of favour at the Etihad. As such, the Madrid-born marksman is understood to be ready to jump at the chance to return to 'La Liga', where he was a hit at Almería and Sevilla.