Several weeks ago, Atlético de Madrid set their sights on Málaga’s Samu Castillejo – one of the surprise packages in this season’s Liga BBVA. It was Málaga coach Javi Gracia who took a chance and plucked the pacey 19-year-old winger from reserve team, Atlético Malagueño to try him out in the first team during the pre-season and the gamble has paid off. The teenager has been decisive in a number of Málaga’s games this term and in spite of his tender age – and the fact that he has gone straight from Third Division football to the top flight, he has already won over La Rosaleda faithful.

AS understands that Atlético officials have already been in touch with the player and Málaga to confirm their interest. No formal proposal has been made as of the moment but Atlético’s intention is to acquire half of the player’s transfer to the Calderón but and allow him to remain on loan with the Andalucians – in a similar pact to which Real Madrid made with Mallorca for Marco Asensio last month. Castillejo’s buy-out stands at 20 million euros and for the meantime, Málaga are holding out for when a firm offer is tabled.