Atletico Madrid failed in a last-minute bid for Barcelona midfielder Deco, it has been revealed.

While they negotiated terms for Thiago Motta, Atletico chiefs also sought a deal for Deco, but was given short shrift by Barca president Joan Laporta.

Unlike Villarreal midfield schemer Juan Roman Riquelme, all Atletico powerbrokers, Enrique Cerezo (president), Miguel Angel Gil Marin (director), Jesus Garcia Pitarch (sports director) and Javier Aguirre (coach), were in agreement over a move for Deco.