Atletico confirm Reyes bid

Atletico Madrid have confirmed they have lodged a bid for Arsenal forward Jose Antonio Reyes.

Atletico president Enrique Cerezo confirmed the offer for the 22-year-old Spain international in remarks reported on club website, www.clubatleticodemadrid.com.

Cerezo said: "With respect to Reyes, we have made an important offer and we are waiting for news from Arsenal. His coming here does not depend on the departure of any (Atletico) player."

Wednesday's reports in Spain said Atletico had made a bid for Reyes believed to be in the region of 12 million euros (£8.1million).

However, Arsenal were reported to have placed an 18-million euro (£12.2million) price tag on the Spain international who has made no secret of his desire to return to the Primera Liga.

Real Madrid were long seen as the favourites to land the former Sevilla player but their city rivals look determined to bring him to the Vicente Calderon stadium instead.