Atletico Madrid have publicly chastised La Liga rivals Barcelona for how they have conducted themselves during their pursuit of striker Antoine Griezmann.

Barca have emerged as favourites to sign the France international and are reportedly willing to meet his £88m release clause, with club president Josep Maria Bartomeu revealing earlier this week that he has already spoken to the player's agent.

Atletico complained to FIFA over an alleged illegal approach for Griezmann in December, and following Bartomeu's comments the club has now released a statement condemning the Spanish champions' "lack of respect".

"We're fed up with Barcelona's attitude," Atletico CEO Miguel Gil Marin said in a statement released by the club.

"[Speaking] about the future of a player with a current contract just days before disputing a European final is an absolute lack of respect towards Atletico and their fans.

"I let [Bartomeu] know his inappropriate conduct was against the integrity of the competition, especially as we've been competing for the title and Barcelona have been continuously pressuring one of the most important players in our squad."

Atletico will face Marseille in the Europa League final next Wednesday before ending their campaign against Eibar that weekend.