'No one is essential' - Simeone issues Joao Felix warning and confirms Cunha exit

Diego Simeone left the door open for Joao Felix to prove himself at Atletico Madrid but warned that 'no one is essential'.

Joao Felix has been linked with a January exit from La Liga, with club CEO Gil Marin saying this month that the Portuguese striker and Simeone do not have a good relationship.

Atleti head coach Simeone has suggested that Joao Felix could be allowed to move on next month.

"I want the best for Atletico, we are going to celebrate 11 years giving everything I have for the team and the club to grow," he said ahead of the Copa draw Del Rey vs. Arenteiro.

"I care about winning, continuing to improve, growing, continuing to focus game by game and then whatever happens will happen.

"No one is essential, no one, and things will be as they should be."

The former Argentine midfielder, however, clarified that Joao Felix could still have a future in the Spanish capital.

He added: "I have no doubt that he is a very important player.

"He did a good World Cup, with an important job for his team, the participation in goals and the importance that the coach gave him to develop what he has.

"I hope we can have the best Joao he showed at the World Cup and he can represent himself in our team."

One player who will be leaving Atleti is Matheus Cunha, who is set to join Premier League club Wolves.

“Cunha is about to sign with his new club. He is a boy who gave us everything he had, we gave him everything we had,” he said.

Rather than look to the transfer market for additions to replace those leaving, Simeone has expressed his intention to look within Atletico's ranks.

"I look inside. For the club, I look at the B boys, who excite me and are in for a great time," he explained.

"It's a low category to compare with La Liga, but they are very excited, [Luis] Tevenet is working very well and if we have to raise boys for the club, it's the best thing that can happen to us . ”