Atlético Madrid returned to the table for Paulo Dybala in January

La Liga giants Atlético Madrid renewed their interest in a long-time attacking target during the January transfer window.

That’s according to Mundo Deportivo, citing Italian outlet Il Messaggero, who have confirmed that the Atléti brass made contact for AS Roma standout Paulo Dybala.

The Rojiblancos are known to have been on the lookout for reinforcements in the attacking third with a view to the 2nd half of the campaign.

As much came with Ángel Correa having been widely expected to pack his bags in Spain’s capital, to head for the riches of the Saudi Pro League.

In the end, however, the Argentine’s proposed transfer failed to come to fruition, with Atlético’s swoop for replacement Moise Kean having also collapsed, owing to an injury discovered during his medical.

And yet, as alluded to above, Juventus man Kean was not the only Serie A star to have found his way onto the radar of the transfer team at the Wanda Metropolitano in January.

So too, it is claimed, did former Juve frontman Paulo Dybala.

As per the aforementioned MD, Argentine international Dybala – linked with a move to Madrid on a whole host of occasions in the past – was sought out as another potential replacement for Correa.

Contacts are understood to have been made with both Roma, and the player himself, albeit failing to move beyond the preliminary stage.

Ahead of the expiration of his contract in Italy’s capital in a little over 12 months’ time, though, Atléti could yet sanction a fresh assault for Dybala’s services this coming summer.

Conor Laird | GSFN