Diego Simeone is looking for options to bolster his outstanding defence line by adding fresh talent to his crop.

And both Spanish and Italian media are today reporting that Atletico Madrid are stepping up their interest to sing Sassuolo defender Sime Vrsaljko, who is expected to take Stefan Savic’s place in the team.

Montenegro international has failed to impress the Atletico Madrid boss and is expected to make a summer move back to Serie A, while Vrsaljko’s strong performances for one of Serie A’s most surprising teams this season have recommended him for Rojiblancos.

Vrsaljko joined Sassuolo from Genoa to help the Italian side clinch the Europa League place next season and become one of the most prominent first-team performers in Eusebio Di Francesco’s team.

The 24-year-old Croatia international has already been linked with Serie A champions Juventus, while Napoli are also believed to be keeping close tabs on the highly-rated player.

And according to Spanish football site Fichajes, Atletico Madrid have joined chase ready to pounce for Neroverdi defender in the summer transfer market. Diego Simeone has already brought Nico Gaitan from Benfica and is eager to add more quality to his team in order to challenge for honours next season as well.

Rojiblancos still have great chance of finishing the season with a major trophy as they are given the odds of 3.30 (23/10) @BetVictor to emerge victorious from their Champions League final showpiece against Real Madrid on Saturday.

Sassuolo are unwilling to let go of their star performer and will be asking for a transfer fee in excess of €20 million from the interested parties.

Versatile defender who can fill in either the right-midfield or left-back slot has become one of Serie A’s hottest properties and is likely to be one of the biggest transfer stories this summer.

Sime Vrsaljko made 36 appearances for Sassuolo in all competitions, managing four assist along the way.