EXCLUSIVE
Theo Hernandez is attracting attention from many of Europe's elite clubs including sides from the Premier League, but Goal has learned that the Barcelona and Real Madrid target wants to stay in La Liga next season.
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The 19-year-old Atletico left-back has impressed on loan at Alaves this term and his relatively low release clause of €24 million has made top teams all over the continent sit up and take notice.
Theo, who is the brother of Atleti defender Lucas Hernandez, is under contract until 2021. However, he has kept quiet through speculation over his future and seems unlikely to turn out for the Rojiblancos in 2017-18.
"There is no war with anyone," Atletico president Enrique Cerezo said recently after reports of a summer switch to Real, but he added this week: "If a player wants to leave, then let him play wherever he wants to."
Both Barca and Madrid are interested in signing the youngster, who represents France at youth level, with the Catalans keen to bring in back-up for Jordi Alba and Los Blancos looking for a player who can rotate with Marcelo.
There is also interest from the Premier League, but sources close to the player have confirmed he wants to stay in La Liga - even if that is not at Atletico.
Interestingly, his last game for Alaves will be the final of the Copa del Rey against Barcelona later this month, which is the final fixture to take place at the Vicente Calderon and would see him turning out at the home of his parent club - and potentially against his potential future employers.
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