Reports: Atletico Madrid rule out selling Diego Godin as Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea are linked

Diego Godin of Uruguay (L) celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Group D match between Italy and Uruguay at Estadio das Dunas on June 24, 2014 in Natal, Brazil.

La Liga champions Atletico Madrid have ruled out selling star defending Diego Godin after links emerged between the player and Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea, according to the Daily Express.

Godin scored the goal in the Nou Camp that secured Atleti’s first Liga title since 1996 as they pipped both Barcelona and Real Madrid to the title, unsettling the duo’s dominance over the league.

He also scored his side’s only goal in the Champions League final that looked set to be the winner until Sergio Ramos scored a dramatic, 93rd-minute equaliser sending the game into extra time, which Real Madrid prospered in, scoring three more times.

Godin then continued his good year by scoring the goal that sent Uruguay past Italy through the knockout rounds of the World Cup.

He was also a key part in Atletico’s stunning defensive record that saw them concede just 26 goals in La Liga, so it is no wonder they are unwilling to sell Godin.

Working as an analyst for Goal Diego Simeone said: “Godin is one of the club’s most important players. I’d never let him leave. He’s improved notably in every possible respect; on the pitch, as a leader, and as a person.

“I wish him the best. I really admire him and hope he plays for us in the future.”

Godin himself backed his manager’s comments, saying: “Of course I will continue at Madrid next season. I’m happy there and I have a contract. I have four years left to go.”