Atletico Madrid deny Paulo Dybala contact Atletico Madrid Linked with a LaLiga move

Antoine Griezmann's future in the Spanish capital is unclear, but Atletico Madrid have moved to deny reports that they've already made contact with Paulo Dybala with a view to him replacing the former Real Sociedad forward.

Los Rojiblancos managed to secure Griezmann's long-term future with a contract that runs until June 2022, and the small matter of his 100 million euro buyout clause has ensured stories surrounding his possible departure won't disappear.

Italian media sources have suggested that a five-year contract for Dybala has been agreed between Los Colchoneros and the forward's brother, yet the Spanish giants have reiterated their commitment to Griezmann whilst rejecting claims Dybala is of interest to them.

The stories suggested a fee of 150 million euros would be needed to prise the former Palermo star from Turin, although Stefan Savic could be used to bring the overall fee down, a rumour which Atleti have also vehemently denied.

Radio MARCA revealed that Dybala and Diego Simeone had met on Monday at a restaurant in Madrid, and this was confirmed by the former River Plate coach, however, it was merely a casual meeting between two people involved in the same profession.

Massimiliano Allegri saw the entertaining side of the reports, despite the fact he has yet to full get the best out of Dybala this season.

"I hope Simeone at least offered to buy him lunch," he joked in his pre-match press conference.

"These things happen.

"You go to the restaurant and perhaps Simeone is there."