Diego Simeone plans to use Antoine Griezmann, Diego Costa together

Diego Simeone has admitted that he is hopeful of using Antoine Griezmann and Diego Costa in tandem, despite the former being tipped to leave Atletico Madrid in January.

Los Rojiblancos finally get to unleash former Chelsea striker Costa when they return to action next week, as their ban on registering new players is due to be lifted on January 1.

Costa is widely considered to be a direct replacement for Griezmann, however, with the France international a confirmed target for domestic rivals Barcelona.

Simeone at least intends to partner the two men together for a brief spell, though, as he continues to bat away questions surrounding his star asset's future.

"We have worked hard to bring Griezmann and Costa and hopefully we keep him for a period," he told reporters following the 3-2 friendly win against Al Ahly.

Kevin Gameiro, another attacking option for Simeone, scored a hat-trick in Saturday's clash.