The move is on!

Barcelona head coach Ernesto Valverde has admitted that his side has began talks to sign Atletico Madrid's Antoine Griezmann. The Frenchman announced his decision to depart the Spanish capital club last week and an imminent move to Camp Nou is said to be on the cards.

Griezmann almost joined the Blaugrana last season but made a U-turn at the 11th-hour, signing a contract extension instead. However, Atletico Madrid's failure in the Champions League as well as La Liga has reportedly caused the 27-year-old to end his stay in order to chase glory elsewhere.

Despite being linked with moves to top European clubs including Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona is said to be the striker's most likely destination. Ahead of Saturday's Copa Del Rey Final with Valencia, Ernesto Valverde has confirmed that contact has been made for the potential signing of Griezmann.

"It is true we have already made contacts. It is true that contacts are ongoing, but the season isn't over yet," he told reporters at a press conference.

"We have the Copa Del Rey final still to play. We have the chance of winning two titles and we must try to focus on this issue. Afterwards we will have time for everything else - we won't say anything new when we are talking about players from other teams.

"We will see. He is a great player. We've always said so."