ATLETICO MADRID are poised to test Everton’s resolve with a move for Mikel Arteta, according to The Sun.

The Blues midfielder has been the subject of increasing talk in Spain that he is keen on a return to La Liga.

Now Atletico want to test the water for the £12million-rated star, who has always admitted he fancies playing for the club one day.

Doubts over Arteta’s long-term future on Merseyside surfaced last year when he made numerous trips back to Spain for treatment to a back injury.

He eventually had surgery and now Atletico want to sign him as they bid to improve on last season’s fourth-placed La Liga finish.

RUMOUR RATING: Two stars - another rumoured departure that has been consistently denied by the club, but again it is a story that refuses to go away.