Allofs claims Atletico can't afford Diego

Wolfsburg sporting director Klaus Allofs claims playmaker Diego is unlikely to join Atletico Madrid as the La Liga giants cannot afford his asking price.

Diego spent the 2011/12 season at the Vicente Calderon and was said to be keen on staying on in Spain, but ultimately returned to Wolfsburg after both sides failed to agree on a permanent transfer.

After returning to the Bundesliga, the Brazilian managed to maintain his good form for the Wolves, leading to speculation Los Rojiblancos could be prepared to make another offer for him.

However, Allofs claims there is no chance of that happening as Atletico are not willing to match Wolfsburg's valuation of the 28-year-old.

"Diego has a price," he told AS. "But Atletico can't pay it.

"I can honestly say that we don't expect any serious bids from Madrid."

Diego broke onto the scene as a youngster at Santos alongside Robinho but has so far failed to live up to the hype he generated during his early years.