Atletico Madrid sign Juanfran's eventual replacement in Sime Vrsaljko

Atletico Madrid have completed the signing of Sime Vrsaljko with the Croatian defender passing his medical in France while on duty with his national side at Euro 2016 according to La Gazzetta (translated by AS).

The 24-year-old operated at left-back last night against Spain but is more comfortable on the right and can play across the entire defensive line if required. He is seen as back-up to Juanfran with the 31-year-old playing over 4,000 minutes of action last season.

Jesus Gamez is Juanfran's deputy when rest is required for the Spanish right-back but Vrsaljko is seen as a more dependable option with more development ahead at just 24 years of age.

La Gazzetta suggest the fee is in the region of 16 million euros along with two further undisclosed add-ons. The former Sassuolo man will join on a four year contract with the option for a fifth should the club and the player choose to take up that option.

Atletico have been defined for many years by their defense but with Juanfran, Diego Godin and Filipe Luis all pushing beyond 30, Simeone and Atletico are planning for the future. They have Jose Gimenez and Lucas Hernandez as central defenders for the future along with Theo Hernandez, Lucas' brother who has been called up to the first team and now Vrsaljko and with Jan Oblak in goals, the future looks bright.