Vietto sold to Atletico, Villarreal president says

"He (Vietto) has been sold to Atletico," Roig was quoted as saying in sports daily As.

Atletico, whose Croatia forward Mario Mandzukic is poised to join Italian champions Juventus, were not immediately available to comment.

Vietto, 21, is considered one of the most exciting young talents in La Liga and will link up again with compatriot and former coach Diego Simeone at Atletico.

Simeone gave Vietto his professional debut at the age of 17 when he brought him on for the last five minutes of Racing Club's 1-1 league draw at home to Lanus in October 2011 when he was coach at the Argentine club.

Vietto capped a fine display at Atletico's Calderon stadium in December with a superb 84th-minute strike that secured a 1-0 win for Villarreal.