Atlético Madrid manager Diego Simeone has lauded Thomas Partey’s recent performance for the club and says the midfielder could have played for Premier League giants Manchester City or Manchester United.

The Ghanaian international put up a man of the match display at the heart of midfield in Atletico's 2-0 win at home to Getafe in La Liga on Saturday.

"I liked Thomas today. He and Rodrigo [Hernandez Cascante] were great," Simeone told reporters.

"I think he's improving, Thomas is an amazing player. He could have played for Manchester City [or] Manchester United.

"We're talking about a great player here. I rate him very highly."

The midfielder had been linked with a move to Man City ahead of the January transfer window, with Pep Guardiola believed to be in the market for a replacement for Fernandinho.

Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain were also said to be keen on the 25-year-old, who has risen through the ranks at the capital club.