Diego Simeone unconcerned by Antoine Griezmann to Barcelona talk

Diego Simeone has insisted that Antoine Griezmann will not let fresh reports of interest from Barcelona distract him, as Atletico Madrid attempt to keep pace with the La Liga leaders.

The France international is a rumoured long-term target for the Catalan giants, who were reported to FIFA in December for an alleged illegal approach.

Speculation emerged in Spain earlier this week suggesting that Barcelona's players are ready to welcome Griezmann to Camp Nou in the summer, but Simeone is not worried about his star striker losing focus at a key point in the campaign.

"To be honest with you, I don't think Griezmann even reads the press," he told reporters ahead of Wednesday's home match against Leganes. "We're thinking only about [the match] and the difficulties he is going to face.

"Away from home, Leganes close up well at the back, they make the most of the dead-ball moves they get, they work well using spaces they create - all of that concerns me.

"In terms of our game, we have been consistent in our last three matches but, to maintain that, we need intensity and to know in which direction this team is heading. We are playing with a very determined style and once we get close to maximising individual potential, collectively we will be stronger as a team."

Following their midweek meeting with Leganes, Atletico turn their attention to Barcelona in a top-two shootout next weekend.