Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simone has reportedly made the decision to leave the La Liga giants before the expiry of his current contract with the club, according to Spanish publicationEl Confidencial.
The 46-year-old signed a five-year contract back in March 2015, but reports suggest the Argentine is planning on leaving the club in 2018- two years before his contract expires.
Diego Simeone has decided to leave Atletico before his contract expires [El Confidencial] https://t.co/S0Y1hvchDu pic.twitter.com/urdGqvTfwV
Relations between Simone and the Atleti hierarchy, who reportedly know of his planned exit, are understood to be strained after the former Lazio midfielder revealed his uncertainty over his future during the aftermath of the agonising Champions League final defeat against Real Madrid in May.
Reports suggest Simone is planning on managing Serie A giants Inter Milan upon his Atletico exit in 2018 due to the mutual affection that began in his two-year stint at the club in 1997.
News of Simone's reported decision comes as a boost to Manchester United's bid to sign Antoine Griezmann next summer. The France international, who recently signed a new deal with Atletico, revealed earlier this week that he would only consider leaving the Vicente Calderon if Simone departs.
Antoine Griezmann said he will only leave Atletico Madrid if Diego Simeone quits #mufc pic.twitter.com/weyZQpqetv
"The only doubt would be if Simeone leaves for PSG or wherever," Griezmann told Telefoot.
"I called him before extending my contract and he confirmed to me that he was staying. I can learn a lot from him.
"PSG are not my goal at the moment. I'm happy in Spain," the former Real Sociedad ace added.
"I'm always proud to be popular with the fans. I try to smile and do my best. If they like it, it's even better."