Spud's going nowhere!
Athletico Madrid claim to have ended their interest in Everton midfielder Mikel Arteta.
The Spaniards have been long-time admirers of the 26-year-old, who is currently recovering from an operation to cure the groin and abdominal that hampered him last season.
Indeed, reports last week suggested Atletico were ready to launch a £12million bid to take Arteta back to his homeland.
The midfielder, though, has consistently dismissed any suggestion of a move away from Goodison Park and signed a new five-year deal last summer.
And now Atletico sporting director Jesus Garcia Pitarch has ruled out a move for the Everton man.
“We will try to sign a top player by the end of the summer for the new season but to be honest we are not too worried as our team is pretty much complete,” said Pitarch yesterday.
“Arteta? Yes, we were interested in him but the club cannot go for that sort of player.”