Atletico Madrid are closing in on Olympique Marseille attacking midfielder Mathieu Valbuena.

Valbuena's agent has already confirmed the interest of Liverpool in the want-away midfielder, but Atletico are ready to be the first club to make a serious offer to Marseille.

The Madrid giants intend to bid £7 million for Valbuena, who could arrive as a direct replacement for Luis Garcia following his move to Racing Santander.