Carrasco: Simeone gives Atlético Madrid go-ahead to sell winger
With Atlético set to move three players out this January, Diego Simeone has opted to keep Sime Vrsaljko and let Yannick Carrasco leave.Nigeria B - Atlético Madrid: friendly
Atlético Madrid coach Diego Simeone is understood to have given club chiefs the go-ahead to sell winger Yannick Carrasco in the January transfer window.
With Atlético keen to let three players go this winter, Carrasco would join expected departures Luciano Vietto and Nicolás Gaitán in leaving the LaLiga club.
Vrsaljko to stay at Atlético Madrid, Carrasco to leave
Right-back Sime Vrsaljko had been tipped to exit the Wanda Metropolitano alongside Vietto and Gaitán, but Simeone has now opted to keep the Croat at the expense of Carrasco, who has slipped down the pecking order in recent matches.
Spats with Koke, Gabi, 'Profe Ortega'
Carrasco has proved a problematic figure in the Atlético squad on several occasions, with the Belgian involved in bust-ups with team-mates Koke and Gabi, and fitness coach Óscar 'Profe' Ortega, in the past year alone.
And despite Carrasco's ability to bring a level of flair to the attack that is offered by few others in the Atleti first team, Simeone is said to be ready to admit defeat in his attempts to tame the 24-year-old.
What's more, the mid-season arrival of Spain international winger Vitolo offers 'El Cholo' a top-quality alternative in the same position.
Carrasco linked with Bayern, clubs in Premier League
It now remains to be seen whether an offer that tempts both Atlético and Carrasco emerges in the upcoming window. Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich have previously been linked with the former Monaco man, while there could also be bids from a number of potential Premier League suitors.
If the sale of Carrasco does not finally go through, Simeone's plan would be to use him as an impact substitute in the second half of the season.
