Madrid, Dec 21 (IANS): Atletico Madrid head coach Diego Simeone spoke on Friday about the future of his French defender Lucas Hernandez, best known as Lucas, amid reports that Bundesliga's Bayern Munich was interested in signing the player.

The Argentine coach was referring to reports that Bayern had already reached a deal to sign Lucas for 85 million euros ($97 million) in January, prevailing over offers by England's Manchester United and Spain's Real Madrid, reports Efe news.

"What I can say about Lucas is that I spoke with him, I spoke with the club," Simeone said at a press conference. "Both Lucas and the club know what I think and what I would like."

Simeone declined to give specific information regarding Lucas' future with the Atleti, stressing that the Frenchman would participate in future matches if he was ready.

Atletico is set to take on Espanyol at the Wanda Metropolitano stadium here, in both teams' last La Liga match in 2018.