Koke: If Morata comes to Atletico Madrid, he would be welcome Transfer Market Spoke about Lucas, too

Atletico Madrid midfielder Koke has spoken positively about the possibility of Chelsea striker Alvaro Morata joining the club.

Sevilla were in the running for the 26-year-old but given they may now sign Munir El Haddadi this month, rather than wait until the summer, Atletico could have a clear run towards Morata.

"Morata is a great player, I've always said that," Koke said at an Atletico Foundation event that is raising awareness about prostate cancer.

"I played with him in the Atletico academy and then circumstances changed [Morata went to Getafe for one year before joining Real Madrid's youth setup].

"It is true that I've heard this rumour, but he is not our player; he is Chelsea's and we have to respect them.

"Right now, we are the players who are here and we shouldn't be thinking about players from elsewhere.

"If he comes, he will be welcome."

Koke also answered a question about the future of Lucas Hernandez, who has been strongly linked with a move to Bayern Munich.

"He is an important player for us and we want to have him back [from injury] as soon as possible," he added.

"For all that is being said, he is an Atletico Madrid player and he will continue to be so for the time being.

"And he will continue to compete as he always does, with all of the desire and enthusiasm which, for Atletico, is the most important thing."

Atletico face Levante at the Wanda Metropolitano on Sunday lunchtime at 12:00 CET.