Diego Godin signs new deal with Atletico Madrid

Godin reportedly snubbed a move to Manchester City earlier this summer, and has now penned a year's extension to his existing contract with associated pay rise.

City had identified the Uruguayan as the man to heal their backline but a £28 million move (matching his release clause) was derailed as the Uruguayan decided to stay put.

That means Atletico kept hold of a man who was a key element in their 2014 Liga glory. Now, his loyalty has been rewarded with a new deal that probably does not quite match the €6.5 million annual salary City offered, but may well come close.

This is huge news for Atletico, and - together with their superb buys in the transfer market - should mean that Diego Simeone's men contend for the game's top honours, as they did two seasons ago.

Godin is a towering centre-back, a warrior, and by keeping him they should retain the defensive solidity that has been the foundation of Atletico's recent success.