Diego Simeone rubbishes Godin's move to Old Trafford and calls it a mistake

Atletico Madrid's Argentinian coach Diego Simeone argues with the referee past Atletico Madrid's Uruguayan defender Diego Godin during the UEFA Champions League Final

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has rubbished rumours of a possible departure of Diego Godin to Manchester United in the next transfer window in January. There were reports in the media last week about Godin being a possible target for United, who are looking to strengthen their defence because of injuries to their backline players Rafael Da Silva, Phil Jones, Marcos Rojo and Luke Shaw.

News of the bid is not accurate: Simeone

Louis van Gaal, the United boss was reportedly keen to get hold of the central defender because of his team’s back four turning out to be a problem this season. But it has been revealed that when asked whether a transfer of the Uruguayan footballer will happen for an offer of around €20million, Simeone claimed the speculations are false.

Simeone told the Spanish media: “Let's talk about something else.

"How much? Twenty? For Godin? It must be a mistake."

Godin has been a key player for Atletico

The 28-year-old defender has been a key player of the Simeone’s team, helping Atletico Madrid win the La Liga in May and also reach the Champions League final. He also played an important role to help Uruguay reach the last-16 of the tournament in the World Cup in Brazil.

Godin started 34 league games for the current La Liga winners last season, having also scored four goals, which included the decisive equaliser against arch rivals Barcelona in the final fixture of the 2013-14 campaign to lead Atletico to their first Spanish league title since 1996. He has been a pillar for the Red-and-Whites since coming to the Vicente Calderon stadium in 2010 from Villarreal.

Atletico Madrid are presently just four points behind the La Liga leaders Real Madrid which has featured the centre-back playing every minute of their campaign. It will be difficult to stop Manchester United if they choose to agree to Godin's £28million buy-out clause.