Athletic Bilbao are interested in signing Atletico Madrid midfielder Raul Garcia, according to reports in Spain.

AS claims that transfer talks between the two clubs are underway but at an early stage, with the Spain international expected to play a smaller part for Atletico in the upcoming La Liga season.

Diego Simeone is said to want to keep Garcia at the Vicente Calderon, but it is claimed that Athletic coach Ernesto Valverde could offer the 29-year-old a regular starting position behind a main striker.

Raul Garcia has made over 300 appearances for Atletico since joining from Osasuna in 2007 and played a part in the club's La Liga-winning campaign last year.