Diego Simeone praises Chelsea left-back Filipe Luis and Radamel Falcao amid potential Atletico Madrid returns

Diego Simeone has lavished praise on Chelsea left-back Filipe Luis and Manchester United loanee Radamel Falcao suggesting they would be welcome at Atletico Madrid should the out-of-favour duo decide to return to the Vicente Calderon in the summer.

Luis's future at Stamford Bridge has been heavily linked with a return to the La Liga side after he was overlooked during his debut campaign in west London.

Jose Mourinho signed the Brazil international last summer for around £16m ($24.9m) to replace Ashley Cole but, with Cesar Azpilicueta excelling in the left-back role, he has handed him only nine starting Premier League appearances during the whole campaign.

Meanwhile, Falcao also faces an uncertain future at Manchester United after having failed to make the impact expected under Louis van Gaal following his arrival on loan from Monaco.

When asked during an interview with Spanish radio station Onda Cero whether Luis could return to Atletico Madrid in the summer, manager Simeone said: "I am grateful to all the guys who have been here.

"If you ask me about Falcao is the same. Falcao has been a reference for Atletico Madrid. Anyone who has gone through the club and has left a mark in the club like these two guys always will be seen in special way. But this doesn't mean they will return. It is not easy."

And even though reports in Spain claim Falcao's return to Atletico Madrid will not be possible unless he accepts a reduction in salary, Simeone predicts he will not stay at Old Trafford.

"Falcao had an unlucky injury in a difficult moment because it was before the World Cup. But he is a strong guy. He is going to fight, he will probably leave his club [United] to compete again in another place where he can feel alive. Because Falcao needs to feel alive and competitive. As soon as he fell that he will respond again because he is still young," Simeone said.

Meanwhile Atletico Madrid left-back Guilherme Siqueira has also hailed the return of Luis despite the fact he would be competing with him for a place in Simeone's line-up.

"If he comes back he will be welcome because he is a friend but also a great professional. I will learn a lot from him. I am not concerned [about battling with him for a role] but the opposite. I would be grateful to have him back. I don't think about myself but the team."