Atletico Madrid are waiting for an answer from Celta Vigo regarding their offer for central midfielder Augusto Fernandez.

The Argentine international, 29, is seen by Atleti boss Diego Simeone as the ideal replacement for long-term injury victim Tiago, according to AS, and the capital club are now hoping to receive a response from the Galicians before December 24.

Although the winter transfer market is yet to open, Los Rojiblancos are pressing for a reply given they are due to visit Balaidos on January 10 and do not want to enter into negotiations at that point.

Celta boss Eduardo Berizzo is aware his captain is an integral part of his team and has played a major role in the club’s rise into the Champions League spots this season. However, while he clearly does not want to lose the player, Berizzo acknowledged that it could prove difficult to keep him out of Simeone’s clutches.

“Anyone would want to join one of the big clubs and we want him to carry on playing here, but whoever wants him will need to pay what he’s worth,” he maintained.

Meanwhile, Fernandez’s former club Velez Sarsfield are monitoring the situation as they have a 50 per cent stake in any future sale of the player.

Tags Augusto Fernandez Simeone
La Liga - Club News