Mateu Alemany's in-tray: Llorente renewal and a new deal for Pubil

Rubén Uría runs through the open files on the desk of Atlético's sporting director: Marcos Llorente's renewal, an improved contract for Marc Pubil and the left-back reinforcement that never arrived.

In the story of the day, Rubén Uría turns the spotlight on Atlético's sporting director, back from holiday and with work to do before the winter transfer window opens.

The first file is Marcos Llorente's renewal. According to Uría, the club has it mapped out but still needs to get it done and signed, because Llorente is key both on and off the pitch and has become a cornerstone of the dressing room, where his influence grows by the day.

The second is an improved contract for Marc Pubil, who is shining for Atlético and for the Spain national team, where he played the full 90 minutes against Croatia. Uría describes him as a player who has been in love with the club since the day he arrived, with a €500 million release clause, and is convinced that club and player will reach an even better agreement.

There is also a sore point: left-back. On deadline day, neither Nicolás Tagliafico, whom Uría considered a good signing, nor Jorge Salinas of Racing de Santander could be brought in. There is a gap in the squad, and Atlético, if they can, will have to go out and find that reinforcement.