Coupet said he was impressed with Atletico after Lyon gave him permission to visit the Spanish capital.

"I saw a lot of ambition in Atletico. It's a big club, very popular and friendly. Madrid is a really nice city," Coupet was quoted as saying by sports daily Marca on Saturday.

The 35-year-old, who has a buyout clause attached to his contract of 3 million (US$4.7 million), said the clubs would need to agree on a fee before a transfer could be completed.

"There are details to be sorted out. It was a first contact, a courtesy visit," added Coupet, who has been an integral part of Lyon's seven consecutive league titles.

Coupet said last month he would play his final game with the team in the French cup final, in which Lyon beat Paris Saint-Germain to complete its first league and cup double.

Coupet played in all three of France's matches before it was eliminated from the European Championship after finishing last in Group C.

Atletico is seeking reinforcements for next season, when it enters the Champions League for the first time in 12 seasons.

Atletico, whose defense leaked 47 league goals last season, is set to sign Netherlands defender John Heitinga from Ajax and Czech Republic defender Tomas Ujfalusi from Fiorentina.