Rumour: Barcelona and Chelsea set to commence bidding war over Atletico Madrid’s Koke

Koke celebrates after scoring during the Spanish league football match Malaga CF vs Club Atletico de Madrid

Chelsea are facing heavy competition in their pursuit of Atletico Madrid midfielder Koke, with Barcelona joining the Jose Mourinho’s Blues as competitors for his signature, reports Sky Sports, despite the player’s insistence that he wishes to stay with Atletico.

Manchester United are also linked with Koke after it emerged that a £50million release clause exists in his contract at Vicente Calderon, with that having been inserted into his contract in January when the player signed a new deal at the club.

Barcelona have now joined Chelsea at the front of queue, however, and the Spanish giants are very keen to recruit his services to replace the outgoing Cesc Fabregas, with the Catalan outfit keen to flog the former Arsenal man in order to raise the funds for Koke.

Koke was integral to Atletico lifting the Primera Liga title for the first time since 1996 and has declared his contentment to stay, despite fresh interest from Barcelona having reached his ears.

Koke told reporters, “I still haven’t had time to read what has come out. I am on holiday and I plan to disconnect.

“Barcelona are one of the best teams in the world and that they are interested in you means you must be doing something right. That is very nice for a footballer.

“In any case, I only think about keeping working. I want to stay here and everyone knows it. I see myself at Atletico next season.”