Atletico Madrid coach Simeone: Dembele negotiations now advanced with Lyon; Trippier ready

And just a few weeks on, Goal report that the void left by Costa has already been filled, with France Under-21 worldwide Dembele set to join the club on loan until the end of the 2020/21 season.

And ahead of his side's home fixture against Sevilla on Tuesday, Simeone appeared confident the deal for the former Fulham and Celtic striker would go through but wanted a swift resolution.

"I am going to focus myself on the game that interests me tomorrow and when he is here, if he does, I will give my opinion". His Lyon contract runs until June 2023 but sporting director Juninho will not stand in his way. He thinks that this is the moment to change teams, that he has lost a bit of motivation, ' the Brazilian said. I like him a lot.

"We are talking with Atletico and I think Moussa has reached an agreement with Atletico", Juninho told broadcaster Telefoot. The 32-year-old had an impressive loan spell at Monaco last season, scoring nine goals and tallying seven assists in just 18 top-flight appearances, but returned to parent club Leicester City in the summer.

World organising body Federation Internationale de Football Association placed the ban on hold at the start of this month, pending an appeal lodged by Atletico.

And Simeone will need all the players he can muster with his side playing three games between Tuesday and Sunday.

Atletico had enjoyed a rest over the weekend as their match with Athletic Bilbao had been postponed due to a snowstorm in the Spanish capital, although the freezing conditions had also disrupted their training schedule.