Atletico Madrid defender Mario Hermoso insists he's in the dark over how close he came to joining Real Sociedad last summer.

Hermoso is now a first-choice for Atletico coach Diego Simeone and has played a key role in their surge to the top of the table.

However, Mundo Deportivo says Hermoso could've easily been lost before the start of the season as La Real saw him as a replacement for Diego Llorente after his move to Leeds United.

In the end, Atletico's asking price proved too steep for La Real.

“I am the same as you. I have absolutely no idea about that, at least for my part," said Hermoso about the transfer talk.