Koke has spoken about how he would love to persuade Lionel Messi to join Atletico Madrid from Barcelona, but admitted it would be difficult “for him to get out of there.”
The Spain midfielder is currently preparing for the Madrid derby, with his side in the position of Liga title favourites on account of the six-point advantage they have over Real Madrid - with a further six back to Barca.
Real Sociedad and Villarreal make up an unusual top three in La Liga, in recent seasons at least, with Atletico leading the way following an unbeaten start to the campaign.