Riquelme Close To Atlético Move

Riquelme Close To Atlético Move Atlético de Madrid are closing in on a deal to sign Juan Román Riquelme from Villarreal after the player advised his agents to begin talks with the club.

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Reports in Spain suggest that the Yellow Submarine and los Colchoneros are close to agreeing a fee of aorund €10m for the Argentinian midfielder.

A deal can be pushed through once Riquelme accepts the personal terms on offer and he is being kept updated on the talks while he focusses on the Copa América.

Riquelme became a hero at Villarreal, but fell out with the board and coaching staff after returning late from holidays and missing training sessions.

A loan deal was quickly agreed with Boca Juniors during the winter transfer window, earlier this year, after he was told he would not play for the Spanish side again.

Despite a successful return to la Bombonera, where he helped Boca to win the Copa Libertadores, the 29-year-old does not want to return home on a permanent basis and is keen to try his luck at Atlético.

Manchester United were said to be interested towards the end of the season, but an offer by the Red Devils was rejected by Villarreal.

As state that Milan, Inter and Lyon are also monitoring his situation, but he does not want to move Italy or France and has set his heart on teaming up with Diego Forlán once again.

The pair were central to Villarreal's drive to the Champions League semi finals two seasons ago as they created an understanding that guided the Castellonese outfit forward.

Forlán has already moved to Atlético, after los Colchoneros met his buy-out clause, and Riquelme is set to join him once the Copa América finishes on Sunday.