Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has taken his chance to heap praise on Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Fabio Silva.
The 22-year-old has spent the campaign on loan at Las Palmas, emerging as one of the most impressive performers in the final third this season considering that his temporary club are in a La Liga relegation battle.
Silva has notably scored in away games at Barcelona and Real Madrid, contributing a total of 10 goals and three assists from 23 appearances.
As a result, the Portugal international has been linked with a wide array of clubs ahead of the summer transfer window, those admirers aware that Wolves are highly likely to cash in on the striker once the market reopens later in 2025.
Previous reports have suggested that Simeone has been left impressed with Silva's displays in Spain's top flight, and ahead of Atletico facing Las Palmas on Saturday night, the Argentine has confirmed his admiration.
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'Any coach would appreciate his work'
Speaking during a press conference, Simeone spoke highly about the attributes that Silva offers in attack, an opinion likely enhanced by the player netting twice in a 3-1 win at Getafe last time out.
Simeone told reporters: "Fabio is a guy who works incredibly hard, physically strong, and puts a tremendous amount of effort into everything he generates within his attack, and any coach who has him appreciates that work.
Earlier in the week, Silva was quizzed on his links to Atletico, saying: "Atletico Madrid is one of the best teams in the world, but right now I'm only focused on the goal of saving Las Palmas, and the future will be revealed."
A range of Bundesliga clubs are said to be monitoring Silva's situation, yet it appears increasingly plausible that a stay in La Liga is the most realistic outcome.
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Silva to rival Griezmann for starting spot?
Despite previous reports, it appears that Antoine Griezmann will spend at least one more season at Atletico, even with Simeone publicly acknowledging that the recently-turned 34-year-old cannot expect to start every game going forward.
This season, the France international has made 40 starts and six substitute outings in La Liga, Champions League and Copa del Rey fixtures, contributing 16 goals and seven assists.
The bulk of his outings have come as a number 10 or in a front two, roles that Silva could potentially take on once Griezmann eventually leaves Riyadh Air Metropolitano.
Wolves are allegedly looking for a fee in the region of €20m (£17.2m) for Silva, a figure that will likely be viewed as value for money by Atletico and many other clubs.
Darren Plant
