There are reports Atletico Madrid will internally discipline Antoine Griezmann after the forward failed to turn up for the start of pre-season training.

Fotball Espana had reported earlier that Griezmann was informed via his agent that he would be expected to join the squad before leaving for the USA on July 7, and if the former Real Sociedad should go on strike, he would face disciplinary action from Atletico Madrid.

And, ESPN FC have now confirmed that the Diego Simeone side are poised to discipline the forward for going AWOL from the team.

It is the latest development in the ongoing dispute between the parties with the Frenchman attempting to force through a move to Barcelona.

The forward’s release clause dropped from €200m to €120m on 1 July but the Catalan giants have failed to deposit the specified amount in a lump sum payment, and instead would prefer to pay in instalments.

Los Rojiblancos will not negotiate on any sale for the player below his clause, with reports that he reached a contractual agreement with Barca in March – just days before Atleti’s Champions League exit.

Griezmann stated at the end of last season that he would be leaving the capital club this summer as he appeared set to join the Blaugrana, whom he rejected last summer before signing a long-term contract extension with Diego Simeone’s side.

“Logically a disciplinary process will be opened as Griezmann did not present himself for an official call-up with the club where he is under contract,” the report cites an Atletico source as saying.

Atleti have already signed forward Joao Felix from Benfica, who will theoretically replace Griezmann, while Paris Saint-Germain were previously linked to the Frenchman.