Diego Simeone could join Chelsea or Man Utd after this transfer revelation

ATLETICO MADRID have today been handed a ban which will see them unable to sign players in the next two transfer windows.

 

Simeone is said to be after a new challenge after four years as Atletico boss

 

While the ban does not affect the current January transfer period, it will stop Atletico signing players over the summer when clubs tend to do their major business.

FIFA have also given city rivals Real Madrid the same ban after both clubs were ruled to have breached rules over the transfer of minors.

But for Atletico, the ban casts further doubt on the future of manager Diego Simeone who after four years with the club has been linked with a move away this summer.

 

The Argentinian won the league and cup double at Atletico as a player in 1996. 

When he returned as a manager he secured the club's first league title since he won it as a player 18 years previously, and was seconds away from winning the Champions League against Real Madrid before eventually losing in extra time.

His achievements had not gone unnoticed and offers started coming from all over the world.

 

The first was recently revealed when Italian 'super-agent' Vincenzo Morabito claimed the Man United board had approached him to broker a deal with Simeone to replace David Moyes.

The 45-year-old quickly turned United down but they may well come calling again this summer.

While a transfer ban may stop Antoine Griezmann leaving for the Premier League, it will also hinder Simeone's ability to build his squad.

 

With Barcelona back in the market after a similar ban, the Spanish champions could have their pick of Spain's players, and Simeone may see it as a convenient moment to move on.

Although Louis van Gaal is currently United boss, an embarrassing Champions League group stage exit and a string of dismal performances in the league could see his services dispensed with come the summer.

And United will have Simeone high on their list of potential replacements should they axe the Dutchman.

 

But they will face strong competition from within England.

After a disastrous start to their title defence, Chelsea sacked Jose Mourinho and installed Guus Hiddink.

 

Griezmann's move away from Madrid may be scuppered by the transfer ban

 

But the Dutch manager has explicitly said that as with his last spell at the club in 2012 he will not be staying on past the end of the season.

And although reports claim that Simeone will not tolerate Roman Abramovich's interference in transfer matters, the Russian could find a compromise in order to secure one of Europe's most talented managers.