Luis Suarez wanted by Atletico Madrid as they contact rivals Barcelona over transfer to replace Diego Costa

ATLETICO MADRID are interested in signing Barcelona outcast Luis Suarez, according to reports.

Despite netting 21 goals last season, the Uruguayan has been told by new boss Ronald Koeman that he isn't part of his plans at Camp Nou.

This has led a number of teams to cast admiring glances at the 33-year-old, including Juventus.

But according to , Atletico Madrid are hoping to land him as a replacement for ex-Chelsea striker Diego Costa.

Spaniard Costa, 31, has been underwhelming since returning to LaLiga, scoring 17 goals in 74 games.

He has even been linked with a shock reunion with Jose Mourinho at Tottenham.

But if Atletico are to lure Suarez to Wanda Metropolitano as his replacement, they will have to beat Juve to his signature.

The Italian giants have reportedly already had an offer knocked back, after they tried to trade ex-Real Madrid forward Gonzalo Higuain for his services.

Suarez himself has remained coy on the summer speculation.

He wrote on Instagram: "There are people talking about me or in my name when for years I've had no relationship with them, when I have to talk I talk for myself.”

Suarez's brutal dismissal by new boss Koeman is said to be one of the many factors that enraged wantaway star Lionel Messi.

The Argentine, known to be very close with Suarez, shocked the football world this week by confirming his intention to leave Barcelona.

And TV cameras captured Suarez and his wife arriving at Messi's pad on Thursday night as the friends plot their futures - away from Camp Nou.