Villarreal striker Luciano Vietto has said he would be open to a reunion with former coach Diego Simeone at Atletico Madrid.

Vietto signed his first professional contract for Racing Club in Argentina, and was called up to the first-team squad by Simeone in October 2011.

The striker signed a five-year deal with Villarreal in August 2014 and has steadily become one of the most sought after players in Europe.

Real Madrid and Barcelona are reportedly interested in acquiring the 21-year-old Argentine. But the likelihood of Vietto joining either of the La Liga giants is remote considering the wealth of attacking options currently at the disposal of each club.

It also appears Atletico Madrid have a leg up on their competition due to Diego Simeone’s previous relationship with the player.

Reports in Spain have speculated the reigning La Liga champions have opened discussions with Villarreal regarding a potential summer move for Vietto.

When asked about the possibility of reuniting with his former Racing Club coach in Madrid, Vietto refused to rule out a future move to Atletico, but for now, the striker is focused on his responsibilities at Villarreal.

“Maybe time will reunite us at another club,” Vietto said. “But if that doesn’t happen, I’ll always have the fondest memories of working with him. He’s a very capable coach.

“I try to take [the transfer speculation] in stride and to just think about Villarreal. I use all the rumors as motivation to keep pushing myself and improving. I’ve got no doubts that if you go about things the right way, what’s meant to happen will do so in due course.”

This season, Vietto has 18 goals and six assists for Villarreal in all competitions while leading the Yellow Submarine to sixth-place in La Liga.

Villarreal has been one of the ‘feel good’ stories in Spanish football this year, and should the club continue on its current trend it would qualify for the Europa League play-offs at the conclusion of the campaign.