Manchester United target Diego Godin likely to stay at Atletico Madrid for 'many years'

Atletico Madrid star Diego Godin has claimed he is likely to stay in La Liga for "many years", even though some reports have claimed Manchester United want to launch a bid for his services in January.

The 28-year-old centre-back has been a crucial asset for manager Diego Simeone in the club's recent success, even scoring the crucial goal against Barcelona in the final game of last season that helped them clinch the La Liga title.

Reports in Spain in the summer suggested Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho tried to secure his services alongside his teammates Diego Costa and Filipe Luis, but Atletico refused to negotiate over the Uruguay international's departure.

United defenders Phil Jones, Jonny Evans, Tyler Blackett, Marcos Rojo, Chris Smalling and Paddy McNair have all had spells on the sidelines due to injuries during the first part of the season.

And Louis van Gaal is said to be considering filling the void left by the summer departures of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic during the January transfer window.

Reports claimed the Atletico Madrid centre-back, who has a £28m release clause, was on his shortlist of targets alongside long-term target Mats Hummels.

But when asked whether Godin may leave the team in January for United, Simeone was dismissive. He said: "Let's talk about something else.

"How much? 20? For Godin? It must be a mistake."

And now Godin looks to have put an end to further speculation, while also saying he will consider a departure in the future to move back to his homeland.

When asked during an interview with ESPN about his future plans, Godin said: "It is a difficult question.

"At this point, I feel that I'm in the best time of my career and I still see my retirement very far. I would like to stay many years here [at Atletico Madrid].

"But it is true that I also have an attraction from my country and at any point in the future I would like to return to Uruguay, to respond to the love they [the Uruguayans] have showed me during this years. But just the time will say. It is difficult to know where I will be playing in as many years."