Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has confirmed the Spanish side have taken the first steps in trying to bring his compatriot Carlos Tevez to Spain.

The Juventus striker has been heavily linked with a move away from Turin this summer after he helped the Juve to another Serie A title and the Champions League final.

Simeone believes Tevez is the sort of player required at the Vicente Calderon if Atletico are going to mount a challenge for the La Liga crown they surrendered to Barcelona last month.

“I haven’t spoken with him but I know people at the club are talking to his agent. It’s exciting to be linked with players like Tevez,” said Simeone.

“He has the game in his blood. He’d be an ideal signing for our style of play.”

Tevez has played at the top level in Europe with Manchester United and Manchester City before arriving in Italy and Simeone feels the 31-year-old still has plenty to offer.

Reports in Italy have suggested that Tevez has already informed Juventus of his desire to move on this summer.
Argentina begin their Copa America campaign on Saturday against Paraguay.

Last summer’s beaten World Cup finalists are 1.33 to open with a victory while Paraguay are 10.00 and the draw is 5.00. Argentina are 2.80 to win the Copa America for the first time since 1993, with Brazil 3.80.

Simeone, meanwhile, is also hoping to bring Filipe Luis back to Atletico form Chelsea a year after he swapped the Vicente Calderon for Stamford Bridge.

“He’s a player we’re very fond of and he knows us well and gave so much to the team. I hope this one comes off,” Simeone added.