12:47h CET

Atlético Madrid have focused their recruitment gaze upon Villarreal winger Samu Castillejo.

Carrasco and Gaitán leave Atleti light out wide

Los Rojiblancos have sold two wingers - Yannick Carrasco and Nico Gaitán - in February, leaving the wide areas as a priority for reinforcement in the summer. Castillejo is one of the players heavily mentioned in that conversation.

The Málaga-born Villarreal man is flourishing this season, resulting in interest from various clubs in Spain. Napoli, of Serie A, are also keen on the 23-year-old.

Full screen Angel Sanchez (DIARIO AS)

Castillejo has featured on Atlético's agenda for several years, yet his lack of physicality - an important attribute for a player in Diego Simeone's system - put the club off making a move. He now appears to have developed physically to a level that would make him suitable for the top level.

Rodri joins Castillejo on Simeone's agenda

Castillejo - who has scored two goals and given seven assists in 27 matches this campaign - is under contract at Villarreal until 2020. He would command a fee of around €20 million.

He is not the only Villarreal player on Atleti's radar. Central midfielder Rodri - who emerged from Atlético's academy - also features in the club's plans as a natural successor to Gabi.

Atlético Spain LaLiga Santander Table PTS W D L 1 Barcelona 65 20 5 0 2 Atlético 58 17 7 1 3 Real Madrid 51 15 6 5 Full standing Next matches Atlético - Leganés X-28/02 21:30 Barcelona - Atlético D-04/03 16:15 Atlético - Celta D-11/03 16:15 Fixtures *Update 28 de febrero de 2018