Atletico reject chance to re-sign Griezmann in sensational swap deal

Atletico Madrid have rejected the chance to re-sign Antoine Griezmann from Barcelona in a swap deal that would see Joao Felix move in the opposite direction, claims Marca.

Barcelona only signed Griezmann from Atletico last summer after triggering the forward's €120m (£107.6m) release clause.

Griezmann endured a nightmare first season at Barcelona after being played out of position and suggestions his relationship with Lionel Messi is mixed.

Despite new head coach Ronald Koeman insisting he will now play Griezmann in his best position, it has emerged Barcelona have tried to offload the 2018 World Cup winner back to his old club.

Atletico used the money from Griezmann's departure to sign Joao Felix from Benfica as his replacement in a stunning club-record deal worth €126m but the Portugal international struggled during his maiden campaign in Spain.

Felix's decision to turn down Manchester City for Atletico raised eyebrows at the time given their style of play and Diego Simeone's reputation when dealing with creative players.

The 20-year-old, who seems better suited to Barcelona than Atletico, returned just six goals in 27 league appearances for Atletico last season but Simeone's side have turned down the chance to offload him in return for former star man Griezmann.

By only scoring nine league goals last season, Griezmann ended a run of netting at least 10 goals in seven straight league campaigns.