Xavi says Barcelona consider Griezmann an Atletico player as potential legal battle looms

Xavi says Barcelona expect Antoine Griezmann to make sure his Atlético Madrid stays permanent amid reports that the Catalan giants could take legal action if the Colchoneros fail to buy the club attacker.

Griezmann is halfway through a two-year loan spell at Atleti, but Diego Simeone recently suggested his minutes were managed in order to avoid activating a buy clause in their Barcelona deal.

The France international - who scored a 101st-minute winner in Atleti's Champions League opener against Porto on Wednesday - has made four substitute appearances in La Liga this season, totaling just 109 minutes in the field.

Reports on Friday suggested that Barcelona could take legal action over Atleti's reluctance to buy Griezmann, after he played more regularly in his first season on loan in the Spanish capital.

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Asked about Griezmann's situation ahead of Barcelona's trip to Cadiz, Xavi said: "That's a question for Cholo [Simeone], who has already made it clear he's a club man.

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"It's not a problem for me. Look, we had meetings with the club, we talked about the players, but I haven't spoken with Antoine's club. I can't do anything else."

Pressed on whether he would welcome Griezmann at Camp Nou, the Blaugrana boss said: "It's a matter of the club, it's not for me to decide, the clubs have to talk.

"In fact, we think he's already an Atletico Madrid player."

But Simeone was reluctant to comment on the striker's future ahead of Atleti's encounter with Celta Vigo, saying: "I have been very clear on a daily basis on this issue.

"It's been four dates and I've always said the same thing. I have nothing more to add."

Referring to the club's hierarchy's apparent desire to retain Griezmann, he then added: "Where the captain commands, the sailor doesn't command."